THE PROTECTIVE STRENGTHS OF POSITIVE BODY IMAGE FOR SOMATIC SYMPTOMS, ANXIETY, SOCIAL DYSFUNCTION AND DEPRESSION

This study examined the protective strengths of positive body image for various dimensions of general health in a non-clinical setting. Two hundred and seventy-six university students (139 males; M = 21.09; 137 females; M = 21.51) with a normal Body Mass Index (BMI) took part in the study. The positive body image and general health of the participants were measured using the Body Image Scale and the General Health Questionnaire, respectively. The findings revealed higher mean scores on body appreciation (BA) and body effectiveness (BE) (components of positive body image) and overall positive body image scale of the female participants compared to the males. Body appreciation, body effectiveness and overall positive body image showed significant negative correlations with social dysfunction, depression, and overall general health. The implications of the findings are discussed