Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on self-esteem and body image in Spanish adolescents.

Abstract

Introduction: Adolescence is the period in which individual and social identity, including self-esteem and body image perception, is consolidated. During the COVID-19 pandemic, lockdowns were ordered, and adolescents experienced an abrupt disruption in their lives. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic (pre- or postpandemic period) on self-esteem and body image.

Methodology: A cross-sectional study of Spanish adolescents was conducted between 2016 and 2023. Participants were categorized according to the COVID-19 period (pre- or postpandemic period). The Rosenberg Questionnaire and Body Shape Questionnaire (BSQ) were administered to evaluate self-esteem and satisfaction with body image.

Results: A total of 627 adolescents were analysed. Of these adolescents, 297 (47.3%) were included in the postpandemic group. In both girls (32.75 ± 5.23 vs. 28.19 ± 6.59; p < 0.001) and boys (33.53 ± 4.08 vs. 32.18 ± 4.87; p = 0.005), significant differences in the Rosenberg Questionnaire and BSQ scores were observed between the prepandemic group and the postpandemic group. Adolescents in the postpandemic group (adjusted OR [aOR]: 5.24; 95% CI: 2.61-10.51; p < 0.001) had a greater risk of low self-esteem. Both good and regular-poor self-perceived health were significantly associated with female sex. Moreover, adolescents in the postpandemic group (aOR: 3.06; 95% CI: 1.94-4.82; P < 0.001) and female adolescents with self-perceived good and fair-poor health had an increased risk of mild self-esteem. Additionally, the postpandemic period (aOR: 5.42 95% CI: 2.96-9.93; p < 0.001), female sex, obesity and regular-poor self-perceived health were significantly associated with dissatisfaction about body shape.

Conclusions: Adolescents in the postpandemic group had worse self-esteem and body image scores, and adolescents in this group were more likely to be female and had a greater risk of low self-esteem and body dissatisfaction.