British Journal of Education

Vol.4, No.8, pp.63-71, August 2016

___Published by European Centre for Research Training and Development UK (www.eajournals.org)
BODY IMAGE AND SELF- ESTEEM AMONG ISRA’ UNIVERSITY STUDENTS
Dr. Lama M. Qaisy
Educational Psychology Department, Faculty of Educational Sciences, Tafila Technical
University, Jordan.

ABSTRACT: The study aimed to explore the students’ body image and its relation with self-
esteem. The study sample consisted of 300 students (148 males and 152 females). In order to
collect data, two instruments were used: Body image scale (28 items) and Rosenberg’s self-
esteem scale (10 items). SPSS was used to analyze the data; means, standard derivations, and
t-test were used. The results indicated that the Body Image and Self-Esteem of Isra’ University
students were low; there was a positive relationship between body image and self-esteem;
females were found to be less satisfied with their body image, and there was a significant
statistical difference in the relationship between body image and self-esteem, in favour of
males.
KEYWORDS: Body Image, Self-Esteem, Adolescence, Maturity, Students.

INTRODUCTION
Adolescence is a critical stage; because it is a transitional stage between childhood and
maturity, adolescents start seeking freedom and independence. This stage is accompanied with
different changes in psychological, physiological social and cognitive domains, so the
adolescents face different problems in dealing with these rapid changes which affect their
expectations of and satisfaction with their bodies. Dosouqi (2003) and Zahran (2005) indicate
that adolescence is characterized by extreme interest in body image and emotional sensitivity,
so adolescents focus on the interest they take in their bodies and the new changes occurred in
them. Shqair (2002) defined body image as the mental and cognitive image that the individuals
form of their body, including external appearance, internal components, organs and their ability
to use these organs efficiently despite the things that may affect them like emotions and positive
attitudes which could affect body image. Moeen, Muazzam and Zubair (2013) defined body
image as the image that adolescents form of their body in terms of weight, height, facial features
and maturity.
Adolescents' body plays a major role in shaping their body image and thoughts of his/her
physical appearance in the eyes of others. Body image is formed as a result of several factors
such as social upbringing, community, culture, media, family and friends, (Gattario 2013, and
Faied 2004). Body image is one of the most important psychological factors that affects
adolescents’ personality and behaviour, because the adolescents view their body organs as
separate parts, and each part plays a role in his/her personality; sometimes he/she is not satisfied
with a certain organ of his/her body which may lead to anxiety; females in particular feel
anxious due to obesity or fat build up in body's parts. (Kafafi and Neyal, 1996). The study
results also indicated that 70% of female adolescents and 50% of male adolescents were
dissatisfied with their body image and wish to change their appearance. (Richardson, Shanel,
Paxton and Thomson, 2009). Adolescents' satisfaction or dissatisfaction depends upon other
people's judgment. The study of Mellor, Mccabe and Ricciardllil (2008) confirms that others'
negative judgments of adolescents' bodies lead them to have negative body image. Cultural and

63
ISSN 2055-0219(Print), ISSN 2055-0227(online)
 British Journal of Education
Vol.4, No.8, pp.63-71, August 2016
___Published by European Centre for Research Training and Development UK (www.eajournals.org)
societal traditions and norms affect our views about our body image; the closer an individual’s
body image to meet the norms of their society, the more they feel positive, attractive, and
satisfied with body image. Conversely, the farther unindividual's body image from society's
ideal body image the higher dissatisfaction of their body image (Abadseh, 2000).
Studies also indicated a negative correlation between body image and emotional disorders;
adolescents, with high satisfaction of their body image, are less stressed and socially
withdrawn, have high self-esteem and high level of adaptation (Lobra and Ríos 2011), while
adolescents, with low satisfaction of their body image, have emotional and social problems,
such as shyness, insecurity, low self-esteem, depression, aggressive behaviour and food
disorders. (Newman, Sontag and Salvato, 2006, Farghale 2003).
Body image satisfaction was affected by adolescents' sex. Males were more satisfied with their
body image than females. Females were less satisfied; they tried to hide the negatives of their
body; their satisfaction with their body image was affected by remarks and appraisals of others.
They initially focus on certain body parts and later shift their focus to others. They concentrated
mainly on their body weight, breasts size, acne, and periorbital dark circles. This indicated that
they concentrated upon the social side of their body image (Abood, 2009, Ata, Ludden and
Lally, 2007, Muneeb and Shaheen 2003).
Body image is related to psychological health and happy life. Al-Daher (2004) defines it as the
attitude of the individual towards himself. According to Furnham (2005), it was the individual's
judgment about him/herself and the ability to feel his/her influence on life. Individuals with
high self-esteem are characterized by high satisfaction of their life, independence and
optimism; usually females achieved their self-esteem through the attractiveness and beauty of
their bodies, while males do that through authority and position (Robins, Trzesniewski,
Gosling, and Potter, 2002).
Dohnt and Tiggemann (2006) indicated that others' views and judgments about body play a
great role in shaping the self-esteem; if it was negative the satisfaction of the body image and
self-esteem would be low and vice-versa.
Many studies were conducted about body image; Al-Zaede (2006) study aimed to investigate
the relationship between body image and some emotional variables; the study sample consisted
of 600 males and females from middle and high schools in Al- Taef (KSA). The results showed
that males were more satisfied with their body image than females, and there were significant
statistical differences in the relationship between body image and anxiety, shyness and
depression for both sexes.
The study of Alabadseh (2013) aimed to explore the relationship between satisfaction of the
body and depression, age, media programs, body dimensions and maturity age among
Palestinian adolescents in Gaza strip, and 377 adolescents' females were chosen to collect data.
The study results showed that there was a positive relationship between body image and age,
and body dimensions. It also showed that there was a negative relationship between body image
and depression, media programs and weight.
Shqair (1998) studied the relationship between body image, psychological disorders and future
planning. The study sample consisted of 400, 1st year students from College of Education. The
study indicated that there was a positive correlation between body image and psychological
disorders, family, social and emotional stress.

64
ISSN 2055-0219(Print), ISSN 2055-0227(online)
 British Journal of Education
Vol.4, No.8, pp.63-71, August 2016
___Published by European Centre for Research Training and Development UK (www.eajournals.org)
Al-Mutairi (2011) conducted a study to explore the relationship between irrational thoughts
and the body image of adolescent females in Riyadh schools. The study sample consisted of
600 students; the study indicated a positive satisfaction of the females toward their body image.
In addition, there were not any significant statistical differences in body image attributed to the
class.
The study of Clay, Vignoles and Dittmar (2005) aimed to investigate the relationship between
body image and self-esteem among 136 adolescent females. The study showed a positive
correlation between body image and self-esteem.
Abdulnabi (2014) chose 287 students from 3rd and 4th year university students to explore the
relationship between body image, depression and self-esteem. The results indicated a positive
correlation between body image and self–esteem; there were not any significant statistical
differences in body image attributed to sex.
The study of Khalaf and Khalaf (2006) aimed to investigate the relationship between body
image, social anxiety, depression and self-esteem. The study sample consisted of 633 school
students from Syria. The results found a positive correlation between body image and social
anxiety, self-esteem and depression.
The study of Ashram (2008) aimed to explore the relationship between body image and self-
esteem among visual impairment. The study sample consisted of 207 students. The results
indicated a positive correlation between body image and academic, social, appearance and self-
esteem.

Study Importance
The body images vary according to the culture and society, so this study will explore the body
image of Jordanian adolescents concerning both sexes. The importance of the study results
from the age of the sample, since it is one of the critical periods in human life. The results of
the study may also be used in constructing counseling programs for adolescents.

Problem Statement
Through scanning the related literature, the researcher found that there was too much variation
in body image and its relationship with different variables in different life stages. Thus, this
study aimed to investigate the body image among adolescents in Jordan; this study will
precisely answer the following questions:
1-What is the satisfaction degree of Isra’ university students with their body image?
2-What is the degree of self-esteem among Isra’ university students?
3-Is there a statistical relationship between body image and self-esteem?
4-Are there statistical differences in body image attributed to gender?
5-Are there statistical differences in self-esteem attributed to gender?

METHODOLOGY
Design
Descriptive method, which was used in this study, depended on studying the phenomenon and
indicating it in numerical values.
65
ISSN 2055-0219(Print), ISSN 2055-0227(online)
 British Journal of Education
Vol.4, No.8, pp.63-71, August 2016
___Published by European Centre for Research Training and Development UK (www.eajournals.org)
Population and Sampling
The study population consisted of 5000 students from 9 colleges: engineering, nursing, science,
pharmacy, information technology, law, education, arts and business. The sample consisted of
300 students (148 males: 77 from scientific field and 71 from humanity filed, 152 females: 80
from scientific field and 72 from humanity field). They were chosen from the obligatory
university courses, because in such courses students from all faculties and from all academic
levels will be there. Table 1

Table (1). Study Sample

Gender Field of Study

Total
Science Humanity
Male 77 71 148

Female 152
80 72
Total 300
157 143

Instruments
Body image scale: the body image scale was developed using related literature (Shqair, 1998,
Mendelson, Mendelson and White, 2001, Dosouqi, 2003); it consisted of 28 items, each item
was scaled for 3 levels (3= Yes, 2= Sometimes, 1= No).
The grand mean for scale= 67; according to this scale, if the total is more than 67 then the body
image is positive, while if it is below 67 then the body image is negative
Self-Esteem Scale: to assess self–esteem, the researcher used Rosenberg’s (1965) self –esteem
scale. The scale consists of 10 items rated on a 5- point Likert scale (1= strongly disagree to
5= strongly agree).

Validity
Although the 2 original instruments had a good validity and reliability indicators, the researcher
rechecked their validity by sending them to 8 experts in counseling and psychology, to check
their face validity, they reported that the 2 instrument were valid to be used for the study
purposes.

Reliability
Reliability was checked using the following methods: internal consistency, (cronbach alpha
equation) and test retest. Table (2) represents the findings.

Table (2). Reliability

Instrument Test -Retest Cronbach Alpha

Body Image 0.85 0.82
Self-Esteem 0.89 0.85

66
ISSN 2055-0219(Print), ISSN 2055-0227(online)
 British Journal of Education
Vol.4, No.8, pp.63-71, August 2016
___Published by European Centre for Research Training and Development UK (www.eajournals.org)
Procedures
The researcher asked permission of some colleagues, teaching the university general subjects,
to distribute the questionnaire by themselves. Students were asked to respond to the
questionnaire, using flyers; they were informed that answering the questionnaire would not be
compulsory, although their commitment, accuracy and completion of all items would be
reflected on the study results. It took about 25 minutes to complete the questionnaire.

Analysis
SPSS was used to analyze the quantitative data (means, standard deviations s.d, frequencies,
t.test, and correlation were calculated).

RESULTS
The First Question
To answer the first question: (What is the satisfaction degree of Isra’ university students with
their body image?)
Means and standard deviations were used; the researcher found that the body image=51.4, s.d,
18.4; this indicates a negative body image. Table 3 represents means and standard deviations
of body image for males and females. According to those standards, males were more satisfied
with their body image.

Table (3). Means and Standard Deviations of the body image

Scale Gender Mean Standard

Deviation
Male 69.4 2.30
Body Image Female 33.0 3.65
Total 51.4 18.4

Male 36.1 2.80

Self-Esteem
Female 13.5 2.71
Total 24.7 11.6

The Second Question

To answer the second question (What is the degree of self-esteem among Isra’ university
students?)
Means and standard deviations were used; table 2 represents the findings for this question.
According to table 2, it was found that the self-esteem of the sample (mean=24.7 s.d, 11.6;
these values indicated lower self-esteem of male students (mean=36.1 s.d, 2.8) than female
students (mean 13.5 s.d, 2.71)

67
ISSN 2055-0219(Print), ISSN 2055-0227(online)
 British Journal of Education
Vol.4, No.8, pp.63-71, August 2016
___Published by European Centre for Research Training and Development UK (www.eajournals.org)
The Third Question
To answer the third question (Is there a statistical relationship between body image and self-
esteem?), Pearson's correlation was used; it was found that the correlation co-efficient between
body image and self-esteem equal=0.965; this value is statistically significant (α=0.01).

The Fourth Question

To answer the fourth question (Are there statistical differences in body image attributed to
gender?), means standard derivations and t-test were used; table 4 represents the findings

Table (4). T-TEST for the effect of body image attributed to gender

Gender Standard t sig

Mean
Deviation
Male 69.4 2.30 .000
1.03
Body
Image Female
33.0 3.65
According to table 3, there were significant statistically differences (α=0.01) in body image
attributed to sex in favor of females.

The Fifth Question

To answer the fifth question (Are there statistical differences in self-esteem attributed to
gender?), means standard deviations and t-test were used; table 5 represents the findings of
this question.

Table (5). T-TEST for the effect of self-esteem attributed to gender

Gender Standard t sig

Mean
Deviation
Male 36.1 2.80 .000
70.7
Self-
Esteem Female
13.5 2.71
According to table 4, there were significant statistically differences in self-esteem attributed to
sex in favor of males.

DISCUSSION
Physiological and body changes make adolescents more interested and concentrated upon their
body image. This image is affected by body changes and the views of others about the body
shape. According to (Alabadseh, 2013), these changes could have a negative effect upon the
adolescents' behaviour, psychological health and self-esteem. This study aimed to investigate
the relationship between body image and self-esteem of Isra’ university students. The results
indicated a positive relationship between body image and self-esteem, which reflects that body
image, develops and grows through human growth stages, and it is an essential component of
the personality; accordingly, body image affects our self-esteem; this means that if the

68
ISSN 2055-0219(Print), ISSN 2055-0227(online)
 British Journal of Education
Vol.4, No.8, pp.63-71, August 2016
___Published by European Centre for Research Training and Development UK (www.eajournals.org)
individual is satisfied with his body image this will be reflected on his self- trust and self-
esteem. This will in turn lead to achieve success and good life. The findings of (Furnham, 2005,
Dohnt and Tiggemann, 2006) are similar to the findings of Abdulnabi (2014), Khalaf and
Khalaf (2006) and Ashram (2008); they found that a positive correlation existed between body
image and self-esteem, and low self-esteem was associated with low body image satisfaction.
The results of the study also indicated that females were unsatisfied with their body image and
had low self-esteem compared to the males. Many studies have focused on the relationship
between body image and self-esteem (Gatti, etl 2014, Lowery, 2005, Marcotte, etl, 2002).
These studies suggested that females are more vulnerable than males to physical changes; this
vulnerability turns into a greater level of body and weight dissatisfaction, which reflects low
self-esteem. Furthermore, this result could be explained by the fact that females are always
seeking for beauty and attractiveness of body, so they concentrate more on their body, and they
are more affected by others' view and cultural norms of body and beauty. This result is similar
to that result of Abdulnabi (2014).
According to these results, the researcher recommends that more studies are required to be
conducted using other variables that affect body image, like the effect of media. Adolescents
also need more counseling programs to accept their body image and to overcome the negative
views about their body image.

CONCLUSION
Body image is an essential part of personality, which can be viewed from the way the individual
views his/her body, the influence of society, culture, and personal experience.
Body image is also affected by biological cognitive and emotional factors; this will affect the
psychological health of the human being. Adolescents concentrate on their bodies; they
consider their body as an integral part of their self-concept. The study results indicated a
positive relation between body image and self-esteem; the males were more satisfied with their
body image, so their self-esteem was higher than females; meanwhile females were more
affected by others' views about their body, weight, height, and society standards about beauty
and attraction.

LIMITATIONS
Time Limitations: This study was conducted during the 2nd semester of 2015-2016.
Place Limitations: This study was conducted at IU.
Human resources limitations: IU students/ Jordan.
Finally: This study was limited to the instruments, methods used in this study which may affect
generalization of the results.

69
ISSN 2055-0219(Print), ISSN 2055-0227(online)
 British Journal of Education
Vol.4, No.8, pp.63-71, August 2016
___Published by European Centre for Research Training and Development UK (www.eajournals.org)
REFERENCES
Abadseh, A (2013) Dissatisfaction with Body Image and Its Relationship with Depression in a
Sample of Teenage Palestinian at Gaza Strip. Islamic Journal of Educational and
Psychological Studies. 21 (2). 41-61.
Abadseh, A. (2000). Neurotic Disorders and its Relationship with Family and Self Variables
among High School Students in Khartoum and Gaza Strip. Doctoral Dissertation at the
University of Khartoum.
Abdulnabi, S. (2014). Body Image and its Relationship with Self-Esteem and Depression in a
Sample of University Students. College of Education Journal. Banha University. 29 (3).
45-101.
Abood. H.( 2009). Body Image and its Relationship with Aggressive Behavior among
Students in the Faculty of Physical Education - University of Diyala. Maternal and
Child Research Center. 20 (1). 1-36.
Al- Daher , A. (2004). Self-Concept between Theory and Practice, Amman: Dar Wael for
Publishing and Distribution.
Al-Mutairi, R. (2011). Irrational Thoughts and Their Relationship with Body Image Perception
among Adolescents in Middle School. Master Thesis. University of Imam Muhammad
Bin Saud Islamic.
Al-Zaede, A. (2006). Body Image and its Relationship with Some Emotional Variables
(Anxiety, Depression and Shame) among a Sample of Adolescents in Middle and High
Schools at Taif. Master Thesis. Umm Al-Qura University.
Ashram, R (2008). Body Image and Its Relationship with Self-Esteem for Visual Impairment
Individuals, Unpublished Master Thesis, Zagazig University.
Ata, R., Ludden, A., & Lally, M. (2007(.The Effect of Gender and Family, Friends and Media
Influences on Eating Behaviors and Body Image during Adolescence. Journal of Youth
and Adolescence. 36(8). 1024-1037.
Clay, D., Vignoles, V., & Dittmar, H. (2005). Body Image and Self-Esteem among Adolescent
Girls: Testing the Influence of Sociocultural Factors. Journal of Research on
Adolescence.5 (4). 451-477.
Dohnt, H.,& Tiggemann, M. (2006). The Contribution of Peer and Media Influences to the
Development of Body Satisfaction and Self-Esteem in Young Girls: A Prospective Study.
Developmental Psychology. 42(5). 929 – 936.
Dosouqi , M. (2003). The Effectiveness of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in the Treatment of
Body Image Disorders in A Sample of University Students. Faculty of Education journal.
Ain Shams University 3 (27).25-33.
Faied, H.(2004). Social Phobia and Its Relationship in the Body and Self-Concept among
University Students. Journal of Psychological Counselling. Ain Shams University.16(2).
120-130.
Farghale, H. (2003). Body Image and Self-Esteem and Their Relationship with Eating
Disorder in Children. Journal of Childhood and Development. 3 (11). 87-98.
Furnham, A. (2005). Body Image Dissatisfaction: Gender Differences in Eating Attitudes, Self-
Esteem, and Reasons for Exercise. The Journal of Psychology.136 (6). 581-597.
Gattario, K. ( 2013). Body Image in Adolescence: Through the Lenses of Culture, Gender,
and Positive Psychology. Doctoral Dissertation at the University of Gothenburg.
Gatti, E., Ionio, Ch., Traficante, D., & Confalonieri, E. (2014). I Like My Body; Therefore, I
Like Myself: How Body Image Influences Self-Esteem A Cross-Sectional Study on
Italian Adolescents. Europe's Journal of Psychology. 10 (2). 301-017.

70
ISSN 2055-0219(Print), ISSN 2055-0227(online)
 British Journal of Education
Vol.4, No.8, pp.63-71, August 2016
___Published by European Centre for Research Training and Development UK (www.eajournals.org)
Kafafi.A., Neyal, M. (1996). Body Image and Some Personal Variables in a Sample of
Adolescents. Journal of Psychology.39(3). 6-43.
khalaf A., Al- khalaf A. (2006). Social Anxiety and Its Relationship with Depression and Body
Image and Self-Esteem, Unpublished Master Thesis, Khartoum University.
Lobera, I., & Ríos, P. (2011). Spanish Version of the Body Appreciation Scale (BAS) For
Adolescents. The Spanish Journal of Psychology. 14(4). 411-420.
Lowery S. (2005). Body Image, Self-Esteem, and Health- Related Behaviors among Male and
Female First Year College Students. Journal of College Student Development. 46(6).
612-623.
Marcotte, D., Fortin, L., Potvin, P., & Papillon, M. (2002).Gender Differences in Depressive
Symptoms During Adolescence: Role of Gender –Typed Characteristics, Self-Esteem,
Body Image, Stress full Life Events, and Pubertal Status. Journal of Emotional and
Behavioral Disorders. 10(1). 29 – 42.
Mellor D., Mccabe M., & Ricciardllil, M. (2008) "Body Dissatisfaction and Body Change
Behaviors in Chile: The Role of Sociocultural Factors". Body Image Journal. 5(2). 205-
15.
Mendelson, B., Mendelson, M., & White, D. (2001). Body-Esteem Scale for Adolescents and
Adults. Journal of Personality Assessment. 76 (1). 90-106.
Moeen,T., Muazzam, A., & Zubair, B. (2013). Development and Validation of Body Image
Scale (BIS) For Young Adult Females. Pakistan Journal of Social and Clinical
Psychology. 11(1). 52-58.
Muneeb, T., & Shaheen, E. (2003). Body- Esteem and Its Relationship with Self-Esteem among
a Sample of University Students. Journal of the Faculty of Education. Ain Shams
University.4 (27). 22-38.
Newman,D., Sontag,L., & Salvato,R.(2006). Psychological Aspects of Body Mesa and Body
Image among Rural American Indian Adolescence. Journal of Youth and Adolescence.
35(2). 265-275.
Richardson, S., Shanel, M., Paxton, S., & Thomson, J. (2009). Is Body Think an Efficacious
Body Image and Self-Esteem Program? A Controlled Evaluation with Adolescents. Body
Image journal. 6(2). 75–82.
Robins,R.,Trzesniewski, T., Gosling,S., & Potter,J (2002). Global Self-Esteem across the Life
Span. Psychology and Aging. 17(3). 423-434.
Rosenberg, M. (1965). Society and the Adolescence Self-Image. Princeton, England: Princeton
University Press. In Gatti, E., Ionio, Ch., Traficante, D., & Confalonieri, E. (2014). I Like
My Body; Therefore, I Like Myself: How Body Image Influences Self-Esteem A Cross-
Sectional Study on Italian Adolescents. Europe's Journal of Psychology. 10 (2). 301-017.
Shqair, Z. (2002). Psychological Barriers, Body Image and Planning for the Future among
a Sample of People with Psychosomatic Disorders, Egyptian Journal of Psychological
Studies.8 (19). 181-233.
Shqair,Z.( 2002). Psychosomatic Disorders. Cairo: Nahdah Egyptian Library.
Zahran,H. (2005). Psychology of Childhood and Adolescence Development. Cairo: The World
Books.

71
ISSN 2055-0219(Print), ISSN 2055-0227(online)