Exploring the Nexus of Body Image Satisfaction, Social Physique Anxiety, and Happiness in Young Adults: An Interdisciplinary Inquiry

Abstract

The main objective of the study was to explore the relationship between body image satisfaction, social physique anxiety, and the happiness of young adults. The study also assessed whether the association of body image satisfaction predicts social physique anxiety and happiness in young adults. Finally, gender differences in these variables were also explored. A sample of 250 young adults (men = 83, women = 167) was recruited from the race-course park, gyms, and exercise clubs in Lahore City by using a purposive sampling technique. Results showed that body image satisfaction has a positive relationship with social physique anxiety (p < .01), and a negative relationship with happiness in young adults. Regression analysis shows that social physique anxiety negatively and significantly predicts body image satisfaction and happiness in men and women. Certain demographic variables such as age, gender, monthly income, joint family system, and type of food appeared as significant predictors of body image satisfaction, social physique anxiety, and happiness in both men and women. An independent samples t-test was carried out to investigate gender differences in these variables. Implications for research, counseling, and clinical practice of these findings have been discussed.