Predicting Body Image Quality of Life through Structural Equation Modeling

Body image has been defined as the way in which the body appears to oneself; body image is integrally tied to self-concept, which in turn is related to an individual's self-esteem or general feelings of competence and confidence. A representative national survey of 803 adult women, found that approximately one-half of respondents reported globally negative evaluations of their appearance and a preoccupation with being or becoming overweight. Subjective body image is defined as a multidimensional and variable, depending upon the situation. It may vary in the degree and nature of its impact on an individual's quality of life.

The purpose of this study was to develop a structural equation model

(SEM) that examines associations among dimensions - internalization of thin ideal, appearance comparison, attention to body shape, body image self consciousness, and body image avoidance - and the relative influence of each on the development of body esteem and quality of life. The analysis was conducted to test the hypothesis that higher commitment to the cultural ideal of thinness, and greater levels of body comparison, attention to body shape, body image self-consciousness and body avoidance will lead to lower levels of body esteem and body image quality of life. SEM allows the examination of the nature and strength of the relationships among these factors. Method: Participants were 308 women, aged 18 - 35, randomly selected through a survey company from a sample pool of 2.5 million. The testing instrument consisted of 255 items, comprised of seven validated scales related to body image. The survey was administered on-line and respondents received a small incentive for completing the questionnaire.

Results: The measurement model fit the data sufficiently according to fit indices for the sample: CFI=.99, NFI=.98 and Non-normed Index-=.91. Body image self-consciousness and body image avoidance were found to have a strong negative direct effect on body image self-esteem, -.35 and -.43 respectively. A strong negative direct effect was also found from body image self-esteem to body image quality of life (-.60).

Cash and Fleming stated that the fundamental goal of interventions should be to promote body acceptance and, as a result, improved quality of life. This research indicates that utilization of structural equation modeling can enhance understanding of the relationships between and among factors that contribute to quality of life, thus enabling the design of more accurately targeted interventions. This study suggests that intervention should target self-consciousness and body acceptance.