BODY IMAGE, PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AND MENTAL HEALTH IN YOUNG ADULTS

Abstract

Body image is a combination of an individual’s feelings, thoughts, and perceptions towards one’s body. It is seen that with advancing time, body image dissatisfaction is also growing especially in young adults. The study hypothesized that there are likely to be significant gender differences in body image, physical activity and mental health in young adults. The participants (n=148 boys; n=152 girls) within the age range of 18 to 24 were recruited through convenient sampling method. The multidimensional body-self relations questionnaire (MBSRQ) and general health questionnaire-12 (GHQ-12) were used. Demographic sheet was used to collect their basic information. Descriptive statistics, and independent sample t-test were used to evaluate gender differences. The results showed that girls were more dissatisfied with their body image (health orientation, self-classified weight and body areas satisfaction) and are more prone towards mental health issues. These findings indicate that there is a need to step forward and help young adults in managing body image dissatisfaction and mental health problems.