Abstract
Positive body image (PBI) has received attention in the recent research literature. Despite this, its role in daily functioning in different cultural contexts, particularly its potential relationship with academic outcomes, is still lacking. This study aimed to offer an international perspective on the association between PBI and body mass index (BMI), perceived academic achievement, and educational aspirations, as well as the mediating role of self-esteem. A cross-national study was conducted in eight European countries with a total of 2653 female university students. Participants completed an online survey measuring PBI (conceptualized as body appreciation), self-esteem, perceived academic achievement and aspirations, and body mass index (BMI). Results revealed differences in PBI between countries (low magnitude). PBI correlated negatively with BMI in all national groups (low-to-moderate magnitude). Mediation analysis showed that self-esteem mediated the association between PBI and academic variables. Findings from this study suggest that building students’ self-esteem and PBI can be a suitable way to boost academic success.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 1521-1534 |
Number of pages | 14 |
Journal | European Journal of Investigation in Health, Psychology and Education |
Volume | 12 |
Issue number | 10 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - 19 Oct 2022 |
Bibliographical note
Funding Information:This research was funded by the Center for Psychology at the University of Porto, Portuguese Science and Technology Foundation, FCT UIDB/00050/2020, FCT UIDP/00050/2020.
Funding Information:
This article is based upon work from COST Action Appearance Matters IS1210, supported by COST (European Cooperation in Science and Technology). www.cost.eu .
Publisher Copyright:
© 2022 by the authors.
Keywords
- academic achievement
- educational aspirations
- female university students
- positive body image
- self-esteem