J Korean Acad Fundam Nurs.  2011 Nov;18(4):452-462.

Factors Affecting Body image of Undergraduate Students

• Yom YH
• Lee KE

Abstract

PURPOSE
The purpose of this study was to examine the factors affecting body image among undergraduate students. METHOD: The research design for this study was a descriptive survey design using a convenience sampling. Data collection was done using self-report questionnaires with 319 undergraduate students located in 3 cities, Seoul, Gangneung and Seosan. Pearson correlation coefficients and hierarchical multiple regression with the SPSS Win 12.0 Program were used to analyze the data.
RESULTS
In the hierarchical multiple regression analysis, gender, height, weight and college major were controlled. Body surveillance and body shame significantly predicted 72.3% of appearance orientation. Sociocultural attitudes toward appearance and self-esteem significantly predicted 33.5% of appearance evaluation. Self-esteem and body surveillance significantly predicted 15.9% of health orientation. Self-esteem significantly predicted 23.3% of health evaluation.
CONCLUSION
Findings from this study provide a comprehensive understanding of body image and related factors in undergraduate students in Korea. However, further study with a larger random sample and more a detailed research design is necessary.

Keyword

Undergraduate; Body image; Self-Esteem

MeSH Terms

Body Image
Data Collection
Humans
Korea
Orientation
Questionnaires
Research Design
Shame