Body image dissatisfaction and its relation to Body Mass Index, Self-esteem and Big Five Personality traits in India

Abstract

Background: Body Image is known to be influenced by Body Mass Index (BMI), self-esteem and personality. Body image dissatisfaction (BID) is
associated with depression, anxiety, low self-esteem and maladaptive eating pattern. Therefore, it is important to identify factors that can contribute
to BID. Material and Methods: This study is observational cross-sectional study on 200 medical doctors in India. Data collection was by selfreported
questionnaires: Sociodemographic proforma, Body Shape Questionnaire-34 for BID, Rosenberg’s Self-Esteem Scale, and Big Five
Inventory for Personality traits. Results: Out of 200, 23.5% (n=47) participants had BID. BID significantly correlated with higher body mass index
(BMI) (r = .402, P = 0.000) and lower self-esteem (r = −-.200, P =0.004). Among the personality traits, neuroticism (r = .309, P = 0.000) showed
significant positive correlation and openness (r = -.309, P = 0.000) extraversion (r= -.139, P = 0.05) conscientiousness (r = -.188, P = 0.004)
agreeableness (r = -.176, P = 0.014) had significant negative correlation. Conclusion: BMI, self-esteem, personality have a role in BID and this
knowledge can be further utilized in identifying the contributing factors for development of BID and its psychiatric consequences which might
serve as targets for designing intervention.