The Effects of Body Imaging on Psychosocial Functioning of University Students

Abstract

The aim of this paper quantitative research was made to find the effect of body image on the psychosocial functioning of university students. The social physique anxiety scale and body image questionnaire were designed to measure the psychosocial functioning of university students. The sample consisted of 200 students of the University of Sahiwal, COMSATS University Sahiwal, Virtual University of Pakistan, Government College University Sahiwal and ARID University Sahiwal. Their age range was from 18-27. The adults were targeted as a sample population because they mainly face problems with their body image and try to alter it according to social pressure they take according to the image they perceive about themselves. The body image was being idealized by many social factors and media and was a source of distress between many individuals so research was done to see the perception of both males and females related to their idealization of body image and how it is affecting their mental health. The technique used to collect data was the convenient sampling technique. This research is related to the relationship between a number of different aspects of body image, the social concerns of adults and their interpersonal functioning. This research concludes that males are also equally concerned about their body image. Also, negative body image could cause a problem with regular psychological functioning and interpersonal skills, also able to create social anxiety that affects the overall personality of the individual. The dissatisfaction level of an individual with his physique is determined and the factors responsible for this imaging are the social concerns of an individual and the way he perceives others will view his body.