A study examining the association between body image, self esteem and identity in the context of the undergraduate college students in Mumbai

The current study is an attempt to examine whether there exists an association between body image, self-esteem and identity. The Scales employed to examine this association are the Aspects of Identity Questionnaire (AIQ-IV), Body Image Questionnaire (BIQ) and the State Self Esteem Scale (SSES). The BIQ entails answering questions related to physical attributes, focusing on features or attributes the person is conscious of or would like to change and the extent to which this interferes with their interpersonal interactions and relationships. The State Self Esteem Scale measures self-esteem along 3 dimensions namely performance self-esteem, social self-esteem and appearance self-esteem. The AIQ-IV measures different aspects of Identity such as Personal Identity, Social, Relational and Collective Identity respectively. The Scales were administered to a sample of 50 undergraduate students of R.D. National College, Bandra from the ages 18-21 years. The data gleaned was analysed using inferential statistics such as Pearson’s R and multiple correlation. The data gleaned was analysed using Pearson’s Product Moment Correlation as an inferential statistic or Pearson’s r. Individualistic cultures stress on the need for competition, competence and independence. Thus, self enhancement and competition would be crucial aspects. Body image is closely linked to self enhancement and thus individualistic cultures are likely to lay a greater emphasis on physical appearance and social image. On the other hand, the Indian culture as the Asian cultures are more collectivistic in nature. Thus, the emphasis or the pressures to maintain a certain body image as in the Western culture may not be as pertinent.