Relazioni interpersonali, immagine corporea ed autostima in adolescenza. Uno studio condotto con studenti degli istituti superiori

Abstract

Previous research has evidenced the link between body image dissatisfaction, social anxiety, low self-esteem, negative affect and eating disorders in adolescence. The present study aimed to explore the gender differences on body image perception, self-esteem, and relational styles in a group of adolescents and to investigate whether body image and self-esteem predict the development of interpersonal problems in a different way for males and females. Method: Data were obtained from a group (n = 1311) of adolescents (805 males and 506 females), recruited in a high school in Palermo. Participants filled in the BIAI, the IIP-32 and the RSES. Results: Our results confirm the difference between males and females in the areas investigated and the link between perception of body image dissatisfaction, self esteem and interpersonal problems. Furthermore, only in males participants self-esteem partially mediated the relationship between body image and interpersonal problems. Conclusions: Results imply that levels of self-esteem and body dissatisfaction must be considered to prevent the development of relational problems in adolescents.