Return to search

Understanding and Addressing the Relationship between Weight Bias and Depressive Symptoms in College Men

The current study of 151 college men explored weight-related factors that contribute to depressive symptoms among undergraduate men using structural equation modeling (SEM). Results of SEM supported the hypothesis that perceived negative messages about one's body and body dissatisfaction were significant mediators of the relationship between BMI and depressive symptoms. Moreover, social connectedness and academic self-concept were significant moderators of the relationship between body dissatisfaction and depressive symptoms. Although self-esteem was not a significant moderator, it was significantly related to body dissatisfaction, despite the men's magnitude of perceived body pressures. These findings inform therapeutic work with college men, signifying the importance of improving the quality of their relationships in family and social systems to reduce both depressive symptoms and body dissatisfaction. Furthermore, advocacy programming to counter body related pressure from media, societal systems, and other people would likely benefit college men struggling with body dissatisfaction and depressive symptoms.

Identiferoai:union.ndltd.org:unt.edu/info:ark/67531/metadc1833420
Date08 1900
CreatorsMcGregor, Carlie C
ContributorsKaminski, Patricia, Riggs, Shelley, Guillot, Casey
PublisherUniversity of North Texas
Source SetsUniversity of North Texas
LanguageEnglish
Detected LanguageEnglish
TypeThesis or Dissertation
Formatvi, 95 pages, Text
RightsPublic, McGregor, Carlie C, Copyright, Copyright is held by the author, unless otherwise noted. All rights Reserved.

Page generated in 0.0019 seconds