PHYSICAL ATTRACTIVENESS, BODY IMAGE AND SELF-ESTEEM AMONG FEMALE UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS OF OBAFEMI AWOLOWO UNIVERSITY, ILE-IFE.

Abstract

This study examined the relationship among physical attractiveness, body image, and self-esteem among female undergraduate students of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria. The study utilized a descriptive survey research design in which none of the variables were manipulated. The independent variables were body satisfaction and body image, while the dependent variable was self-esteem. Data were collected using structured questionnaires administered to a sample of 156 female undergraduates selected through convenience sampling techniques. Data analysis using the Pearson correlation coefficient revealed a moderate negative relationship between body image and self-esteem (r = -0.48) and a strong negative relationship between perceived body satisfaction and self-esteem (r = -0.61). Based on these findings, it was concluded that body satisfaction and body image have a significant impact on self-esteem among female undergraduates at Obafemi Awolowo University. Additionally, religious affiliation was found to have a significant influence on physical attractiveness, body image, and general body satisfaction among the target population.

Keywords: Physical attractiveness, Body image, Body satisfaction, Self-esteem, Religious affiliation, Female undergraduates, Obafemi Awolowo University.