DIMENSIONS OF BODY IMAGE PERCEPTION AS PREDICTORS OF MENTAL WELLBEING IN IN-SCHOOL FEMALE ADOLESCENT

Abstract

Adolescence is a critical period marked by heightened sensitivity to body image concerns, which can significantly impact mental wellbeing. While existing literature highlights the relationship between body image dissatisfaction and psychological distress, limited research has examined how distinct dimensions of body image uniquely predict mental wellbeing in African adolescent populations. The present study investigated the predictive influence of body competence, body inadequacy, and internal conflict on mental wellbeing among in-school female adolescents in Lagos State, Nigeria. A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 454 participants aged 13–19 years across five urban local government areas. Data were collected using the Warwick–Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scale and the Adolescents Body Image Satisfaction Scale. Pearson correlation showed a significant negative association between body competence and mental wellbeing (r = –.120, p < .05), while body inadequacy (r = –.027, p > .05) and internal conflict (r = .017, p > .05) were not significantly correlated. Multiple regression analysis revealed that only body competence significantly predicted mental wellbeing (β = –.277, p = .013), although the overall model was not statistically significant (F = 2.270, p > .05). Body image dimensions collectively accounted for 1.5% of the variance in wellbeing scores. Findings underscore the importance of promoting body functionality as a protective factor for mental wellbeing in adolescent girls, and they point to the need for culturally responsive interventions targeting body competence within school-based mental health frameworks.

Keywords: Body Image, Mental Wellbeing, Body Competence, Body Inadequacy, Internal Conflict, Adolescents.