The Impact of Relationship Status on Perceived Body Image in Females

Abstract

The present study examines how a woman’s relationship status correlates to her body image satisfaction, life satisfaction, and self-esteem. The study uses various methods, including the Body Image Satisfaction Scale, Contour Drawing Rating Scale, Life Satisfaction Index, and Self-Esteem Measure. These assessments were given to students in various classes at a Christian university in the southwest during the spring 2019 semester. Students completed an online survey regarding these measures to determine any correlation. The study determined that women with high life satisfaction, generally, had high self-esteem. The longer the time in the, the higher both a woman’s self-esteem and life satisfaction. The current study indicates that a woman’s relationship status or not had no effect on a woman’s body image. Regarding race/ethnicity, African American women had the highest average in both self-esteem and body image. African American women had the lowest average in terms of life satisfaction. In the self-esteem and body image categories, Asians or Asian American women had the lowest average.