TITLE:
Relationships between Gender, Weight, and Body Image: Effects on Stress Management and Life Satisfaction in University Students
AUTHORS:
Andrea Velásquez Muñoz, Martin Cardenas Vargas
KEYWORDS:
Body Image, Stress Management, Life Satisfaction, Gender Differences, University Students
JOURNAL NAME:
Journal of Biosciences and Medicines,
Vol.12 No.11,
November
7,
2024
ABSTRACT: This study highlights the importance of understanding how gender and weight affect key aspects of well-being, such as body image, stress management, and life satisfaction among college students. By examining these relationships, the study aims to provide information that serves as a basis for designing specific interventions to promote mental health and general well-being in this population. The objective is to provide insights into the relationships between these variables to guide targeted interventions for student well-being. Methods: A total of 100 university students from Chile (60% women, 40% men), aged between 18 and 25, participated in this study. Participants were classified into weight categories based on their Body Mass Index (BMI) according to WHO standards: underweight, normal weight, overweight, and obesity. Validated scales were used to measure body image, stress management, and life satisfaction. Descriptive analyses and one-way ANOVA were conducted to identify significant differences between gender and weight categories. Results: Significant differences were found in stress management and body image according to weight categories. Participants with obesity reported the lowest scores in both body image and stress management, while underweight participants reported the highest scores. Men reported slightly better stress management, but the difference was not statistically significant. A moderate positive correlation was found between body image and life satisfaction (r = 0.29, p Conclusion: Gender and weight play an essential role in influencing body image, stress management, and life satisfaction among university students. These findings highlight the need for interventions that promote a healthy body image and effective stress management strategies, particularly for overweight and obese students.