Correlates of body dissatisfaction among Taiwanese adolescents

Abstract

Purpose: This study was designed to explore factors associated with body dissatisfaction among Taiwanese adolescents.

Methods: Participants were randomly selected from five high schools in Taipei County, Taiwan. A total sample of 883 adolescents aged 12-16 was included. Body mass index (BMI) was calculated using self-reported weight and height. The Contour Drawing Rating Scale was used to assess body dissatisfaction. Other measurements included the Multidimensional Body-Self Relations Questionnaire-Appearance Evaluation (MBSRQ-AE), the Rosenberg Self-esteem Scale, the Eating Disorder Inventory-Perfectionism, the Socio-cultural Attitudes Towards Appearance Questionnaire (SATAQ-Internalization and SATAQ-Awareness), and physical activity. Multiple linear regression analyses were performed separately by gender to examine predictors of body dissatisfaction.

Results: girls reported significantly higher body dissatisfaction, awareness of the socio-cultural ideals (SATAQ-Awareness), as well as the internalization of those ideals (SATAQ-Internalization) and lower satisfaction with their physical appearance (MBSRQ-AE). This indicated that girls felt less positive with their overall appearance and had a higher level of recognition and endorsement of the social standards of appearance than boys. Satisfaction with physical appearance (MBSRQ-AE), BMI and internalization of socio-cultural ideals (SATAQ-Internalization) were unique predictors of body dissatisfaction for both genders.

Conclusions: this study enhanced the understanding about body dissatisfaction in Eastern populations. Perceived physical appearance, BMI and internalization of the socio-cultural ideals predicted body dissatisfaction, which are evident in Taiwan, as well as in Western based research. However, these factors only explained a small variance in body dissatisfaction for boys, suggesting a need in identifying more factors related to body dissatisfaction among boys.