Exploring the Impact of Body Shaming and Emotional Reactivity on the Self-Esteem of Young Adults

Abstract

The current study aimed to examine how emotional reactivity and body shaming effect young adults' self-esteem in the northern area “Malakand” of Pakistan. A convenience sampling method was used to gather data from N=300 respondents, aged 19 to 28, from various postgraduate colleges and universities. Of these, 147 men and 153 women, in equal numbers, were males (n=147) and females (n=153). Self-reported questionnaires were used to assess emotional reactivity, self-esteem, and body shaming. The regression and Pearson correlation analyses supported the findings by demonstrating that body shaming significantly lowers young adults' self-esteem. Additionally, a link between body shaming and emotional reactivity was discovered. Males and females scored significantly differently on emotional reactivity, with females scoring higher, according to the t-test analysis. These findings have significant implications for mental health interventions and support programs in the Malakand region because they highlight the damaging effects of body shaming on young adults' self-esteem and emotional well-being.