Prediction of Body Image Dissatisfaction from Self-esteem, Thin-ideal Internalization and Appearance-related Social Comparison

Introduction: the present study has aimed to demonstrate the relationship between body image dissatisfaction and three variables of self-esteem as a psychological factor along with thin-ideal internalization and appearance-related social comparison as psychosocial factors. methods: to conduct this study, 477 tehran high-school students were recruited by a cluster sampling method. afterwards, they filled out the rosenberg self-esteem scale, appearance evaluation subscale, physical appearance comparison scale as well as sociocultural attitudes towards appearance questionnaire-4. finally, the collected data were analyzed using the pearson’ correlation coefficient together with the stepwise regression. results: findings were indicative of a direct correlation between body image dissatisfaction and variables of thin-ideal internalization as well as appearance-related social comparisons. meanwhile, there was a negative correlation between self-esteem and body image dissatisfaction. in addition, self-esteem could better work in assessing body image dissatisfaction. because, it explains 19% of the variance thereof. conclusion: according to the results, it can be concluded that self-esteem plays a central role in predicting body image dissatisfaction. therefore, health professionals should place a value on such a role while using preventive measures or interventions.