Self-Esteem, Depression, and Body Satisfaction in Turkish Adolescents
Author Information
Author(s): Ozmen Dilek, Ozmen Erol, Ergin Dilek, Cetinkaya Aynur Cakmakci, Sen Nesrin, Dundar Pinar Erbay, Taskin E Oryal
Primary Institution: Celal Bayar University, Manisa, Turkey
Hypothesis
The study aims to determine the prevalence of overweight and obesity and examine the effects of weight status and body satisfaction on self-esteem and depression in Turkish adolescents.
Conclusion
Turkish adolescents have a lower risk of overweight and obesity compared to those in developed countries, and their psychological well-being is more closely related to body satisfaction than to actual or perceived weight status.
Supporting Evidence
- 9.0% of students were overweight and 1.1% were obese based on BMI.
- Body dissatisfaction was linked to low self-esteem and depression.
- Perceived overweight was related only to low self-esteem.
- Actual overweight was not related to low self-esteem and depression.
Takeaway
This study shows that many Turkish teens feel okay about their bodies, even if they are a bit overweight, and that feeling good about how you look is more important than just the number on the scale.
Methodology
A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 2101 tenth-grade adolescents using BMI calculations, self-esteem and depression scales, and logistic regression analysis.
Limitations
The study may not be generalizable beyond the specific urban area in Turkey where it was conducted.
Participant Demographics
{"age_range":"15-18","gender_distribution":{"male":1050,"female":1051},"residential_background":{"urban":1637,"suburban":171,"rural":293},"socioeconomic_status":{"lower":160,"middle":1809,"upper":132}}
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website