Weight, Self-esteem, and Depression in High School and College Females

Kim, Ok Soo; Kim, Kye Ha

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to investigate Body Mass Index (BMI), the perception of weight problem and the level of self-esteem and depression in high school and college females. The convenience sample consisted of 303 high school females and 481 college females. Data were collected between November 1999 and December 1999. Subjects ranged in age from 15 years and 26 years. BMI was calculated based on the subject's self-reported body weight and height. Self-perception of having a weight problem was evaluated by a single item question. The Rosenberg's Self-Esteem Scale and the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale were utilized to measure the level of self-esteem and depression symptoms. BMI mean scores were 19.92 and 19.83 in high school females and college females, respectively. Based on BMI, 79.2 percent of high school females and 85.2 percent of college females were in a normal weight range. Only 2.6 percent of high school females and 1.5 percent college females were obese. Both high school and college females perceived their body weight problem as moderately severe. The mean scores of depression were 20.33 in high school females and 21.69 in college females. Sixty percent of high school females were depressed and 73.4 percent of college students. There was no significant difference between two groups in BMI. However, high school females perceived their weight problem more severe than college females. College females had higher levels of self-esteem and depression than high school females. BMI and perceptions of weight problem revealed a positive relationship in both groups. Results of the study revealed that a perception of weight problem contributed significantly to predict the level of self-esteem and depression in both groups. BMI score had significant effect on only college females' self-esteem. In the study, even though the mean score of BMI was in a normal range, subjects perceived their weight problems as moderatley severe. Since the perception of a weight problem influenced the level of self-esteem and depression, health care providers need to teach them about the normal weight range in BMI criteria.