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Influence of Sociocultural Pressures on Body Image Dissatisfaction

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Abstract

It now seems that body image concerns, which were thought to be western phenomenon, are very much prevalent in Asian society. Against this backdrop this study tried to assess the relationship between body image dissatisfaction and sociocultural pressures in Indian girls. The study also attempted to look at whether self-consciousness about appearance and rejection of societal value of thinness mediate the relationship between body dissatisfaction and socio-cultural pressures to be thin. The participants included 303 females from the age range of 17–22 years. Measures used consisted of Young Women’s Experiences with Body Weight and Shape Assessment, BMI ratings, and Perceived Socio-cultural Pressures Scale. Results showed that body image dissatisfaction was significantly related to sociocultural pressures. Also self-consciousness about appearance partially mediated the relationship between body dissatisfaction and sociocultural pressures.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychology, University of Pune, Ganeshkhind Pune, 411007, India

    Jaya Rajagopalan & B. Shejwal

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  1. Jaya Rajagopalan
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  2. B. Shejwal
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Correspondence to Jaya Rajagopalan.

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Rajagopalan, J., Shejwal, B. Influence of Sociocultural Pressures on Body Image Dissatisfaction. Psychol Stud 59, 357–364 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12646-014-0245-y

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12646-014-0245-y

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