A Descriptive Investigation of the Relationship Between Experiences of Body Shaming and Self-Esteem Among Adolescent Girls in Selected Schools

Abstract

Background: There was not much variation observed in the total reports according to gender, similar to findings by Lind et al. However, most of the victims reported infrequent victimization. It was also seen that a larger circle of close friends offered a protective factor against body shaming. Similar findings show that early engagement in seeking and maintaining peer friendships in the campus environment is protective against the depressing effects of body shaming variables.

Objectives: To evaluate the effect of body shaming experiences on the self-esteem of adolescent girls studying in selected schools. To determine the association between body shaming experiences and self-esteem among adolescent girls in relation to selected demographic characteristics.

Materials and Method: A quantitative non-experimental descriptive research approach was adopted, and data were collected from 135 adolescent girls using a semi-structured questionnaire for demographic variables, the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, and a Body Shaming Scale. The tool assessed demographic details, self-esteem levels, and experiences of body shaming.

Results: Findings revealed that 81.5% of participants had low self-esteem, 18.5% had moderate self -esteem, and none had high self-esteem. In relation to body shaming, 81.5% experienced a moderate level, 13.3% a low level, and 5.2% a high level of body shaming. The mean self-esteem score was 17.37 ± 2.766, while the mean body shaming score was 39.47 ± 7.549.

Conclusion: Discussed the findings of the study titled “A Descriptive Investigation of the Relationship Between Experiences of Body Shaming and Self-Esteem Among Adolescent Girls in Selected Schools.”