ORIGINAL ARTICLE
The relationship between stigmatization and body image dissatisfaction among students in Enugu State University of Science and Technology
1
Istituto di Psicologia, Università Pontificia Salesiana, Italy
2
Faculty of Social Science, Enugu State University of Science and Technology, Nigeria
Submission date: 2024-12-12
Acceptance date: 2025-07-02
Publication date: 2025-08-20
Corresponding author
Zbigniew Szczepan Formella
Istituto di Psicologia, Università Pontificia Salesiana, Piazza Ateneo Salesiano, 1, 00139, Roma, Italy
Istituto di Psicologia, Università Pontificia Salesiana, Piazza Ateneo Salesiano, 1, 00139, Roma, Italy
Rozprawy Społeczne/Social Dissertations 2025;19(1):194-202
KEYWORDS
TOPICS
ABSTRACT
Abstract: Stigmatization of people has persisted throughout history. It is manifested by bias, distrust, stereotyping, fear, embarrassment, anger, and/or avoidance. Stigma leads to avoiding living, socializing and working, renting to, or employing a certain group of people. The psychological impact of stigma can be significant. Students who are stigmatized because of body shape and weight tend to experience heightened anxiety, depression, and diminished self-worth because of the negative societal attitudes they encounter. This study investigated the relationship between stigmatization and body image dissatisfaction among ESUT undergraduates. Material and methods: One hundred and eighty-five (185) undergraduate students participated in this study: 72 males and 113 females, between the ages of 19 and 26 years; with a mean of 22.31 and a standard deviation of 2.91. Results: The findings of the study include the following: body image dissatisfaction was positively significantly related to gender, and stigmatization; and negatively significantly related to age. Conclusions: Gender and age significantly predicted body image dissatisfaction. Stigmatization is a significant positive predictor of body image dissatisfaction among undergraduates.
REFERENCES (24)
1.
American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders. American Psychiatric Publishing.
2.
Agbu, J. (2011). Development and validation of negative self-image inventory. ASEAN Journal of Psychiatry, 12(2), 169-177.
4.
Carotenuto, M. (2024). Epilepsy During the Lifespan - Beyond the Diagnosis and New Perspectives discusses the most widespread neurological pathology in the world. Intechopen Publisher.
6.
Cash, T., & Smolak, L. (2012). Body Image. A handbook of science, practice and prevention. Gilford Press.
8.
Cupach, W., Spitzberg, B. (2011). The dark side of the close relationships II. Routledge.
9.
Festinger, L. (1954). A theory of social comparison process. Human Relations, 7(2), 11-140. https://doi.org/10.1177/001872....
10.
Fiorillo, A., Volpe, U., Bhugra, D. (2016). Psychiatry in Practice. Education, experience and expertise. Oxford University Press.
11.
Goffman, E. (1963). Stigma. Notes on the management of spoiled identity. Simon & Schuster.
13.
Krenawi, A. (2024). Syrian refugees in Jordan and Mental health. Challenges and culturally sensitive practices. Brill Publisher.
14.
Maddux, J., Tangney, J. (2010). Social psychological foundations of clinical psychology. Guilford Press.
15.
Nagata, J., Brown, F., Murray, S. Lavender, J. (2021). Eating disorders in boys and men. Springer.
16.
Nnamchi, O., Ike, O., Okafor, C., Ogba, K., Obunukwu, G., Agu, E. (2024). Social Media Use and Self-Esteem as Predictors of Body Image Dissatisfaction among Young Adults in University of Nigeria, Nsukka. Journal of Family and Society Research, 3(1), 25-36.
17.
Osuji, J., & Kramer-Kile, M. (2012). Chronic illness in Canada: impact and intervention. Jones & Bartlett Learning.
19.
Robert-McComb, J., Norman, R., Zumwalt, M. (2008). The active female: Health issues throughout the lifespan. Human Press.
20.
Strom, P., Strom, R. (2021). Adolescents in the internet Age. A team learning and teacher perspective. Information Age Publishing.
21.
Ugwuanyi, B., Formella, Z. (2023). Self-esteem and body image dissatisfaction among the citizens of Nigeria. Edukacja Humanistyczna, 1(48), 85-97.
22.
Vanamali, S. (2024). Foundations of Psychology. Understanding human behaviour and mental processes. AG Publishing House.
23.
Wang, X. (2022). Destigmatisation of People Living with HIV/AIDS in China. Springer.
24.
Wood, J. (1989). Theory and research concerning social comparisons of personal attributes. American Psychological Association, 106(2) 231-248. https://doi.org/10.1037/0033-2....
Share
RELATED ARTICLE
| eISSN: | 2657-9332 |
We process personal data collected when visiting the website. The function of obtaining information about users and their behavior is carried out by voluntarily entered information in forms and saving cookies in end devices. Data, including cookies, are used to provide services, improve the user experience and to analyze the traffic in accordance with the Privacy policy. Data are also collected and processed by Google Analytics tool (more).
You can change cookies settings in your browser. Restricted use of cookies in the browser configuration may affect some functionalities of the website.
You can change cookies settings in your browser. Restricted use of cookies in the browser configuration may affect some functionalities of the website.
