BODY IMAGE SURVEY
A QUALITATIVE RESEARCH
2024-25
SUBMITTED TO SUBMITTED BY
HIMAKSHI MOTWANI RICHA NAGAR
HONORARY FACULTY ROLL NO: 221427
BA IV YEAR
DEPARTMENT OF PSYCHOLOGY
INSTITUTE FOR EXCELLENCE IN HIGHER
EDUCATION
BHOPAL
CERTIFICATE
THIS IS TO CERTIFY THAT MISS RICHA
NAGAR OF BA 4 YEAR PSYCHOLOGY MAJOR,
8 SEMESTERS 221427, INSTITUTE FOR
EXCELLENCE IN HIGHER EDUCATION
BHOPAL HAS SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETED
HER ASSIGNMENT UNDER THE GUIDANCE
OF HER TEACHER, HIMAKSHI MOTWANI AND
THE DEPARTMENT OF PSYCHOLOGY IN
ACADEMIC YEAR 2024-25.
DEPARTMENT OF PSYCHOLOGY
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
THE SUCCESS AND OUTCOME OF THIS
PROJECT WAS POSSIBLE WITH THE
GUIDANCE AND ASSISTANCE FROM MANY
PEOPLE. I WOULD LIKE TO THANK THE
DEPARTMENT OF PSYCHOLOGY, IEHE FOR
GIVING ME THIS OPPORTUNITY TO
UNDERTAKEN THIS PROJECT WORK. I
WOULD LIKE TO THANK RESHMA MA’AM
DEPARTMENT OF PSYCHOLOGY FOR THIS
OPPORTUNITY. I AM EXTREMELY
GRATEFUL TO OTHER FACULTY MEMBERS
FOR THEIR CONTINUOUS GUIDANCE AND
SUPPORT. I WOULD ALSO THANK MY
FRIENDS AND FAMILY FOR THEIR SUPPORT.
Introduction:
Body image refers to an individual's perception of their physical appearance and how they
feel about their body. This perception can be shaped by internal factors such as self-esteem
and external influences like societal beauty standards, social media, and family attitudes. The
concept of body image has gained significant attention in psychological research due to its
strong link with mental health outcomes such as anxiety, depression, and eating disorders.
In today’s digitally connected world, body image concerns are increasingly prevalent,
especially among adolescents and young adults who are constantly exposed to curate and
idealized versions of beauty on social media platforms. This constant exposure can lead to
unhealthy comparisons, fostering feelings of inadequacy and dissatisfaction with one’s
physical appearance. Furthermore, societal norms and cultural standards of beauty often
reinforce narrow definitions of attractiveness, which can marginalize individuals who do not
conform to these ideals, thereby impacting their self-worth and emotional well-being.
Family dynamics also play a crucial role in shaping body image, as comments about
appearance, dieting behaviors, and body-related teasing can significantly influence how
individuals perceive themselves from a young age. Positive reinforcement and support from
family and friends, on the other hand, have been shown to promote a healthier body image
and greater self-acceptance.
This survey was designed to explore the relationship between body image and psychological
well-being among a sample population, with a focus on understanding the extent of body
satisfaction, the influence of social media and societal pressures, and the role of family and
teasing experiences in shaping self-perception. By examining these factors, the study aims to
shed light on both the challenges and positive influences that contribute to an individual's
body image and overall mental health.
Literature Review:
1. Grogan, S. (2016). Body Image: Understanding Body Dissatisfaction in Men, Women,
and Children. This study highlights the pervasive nature of body dissatisfaction and
its psychological impact, noting that exposure to idealized images in media
significantly influences how individuals view their bodies.
2. Tiggemann, M., & Slater, A. (2013). "NetGirls: The Internet, Facebook, and body
image concern in adolescent girls." International Journal of Eating Disorders, 46(6),
630-633. This research examines the correlation between social media use and body
image concerns, showing that frequent comparison to online images often results in
negative self-perception and lower self-esteem.
Methodology:
Objectives:
1. To assess the level of satisfaction with physical appearance among the sample group.
2. To examine the influence of social media and societal standards on body image.
3. To identify the prevalence of negative self-talk and body dissatisfaction.
4. To evaluate the impact of family influence and teasing on body image concerns.
5. To understand the perceived importance of self-acceptance versus physical
appearance.
Research Design: Quantitative survey-based research.
Sample Size: 16 participants.
Sampling Technique: Convenience sampling.
Data Collection: A questionnaire consisting of 10 close-ended (Yes/No)
questions on body image.
Sample group : young adults (18-25)
Results:
1. Are you satisfied with your overall physical appearance?
response
19%
yes
81% no
2. Do you compare your body to others on social media?
responses
yes
50% 50%
no
3. Do you feel pressured to look a certain way because of societal beauty standards?
responses
37% yes
63% no
4. Do you engage in negative self-talk regarding your body?
responses
19% yes
81% no
5. Are you comfortable with receiving compliments about your body?
responses
31% yes
69% no
6. Have you ever felt anxious or distressed about your body size or shape?
responses
31% yes
69% no
7. Have you ever experienced teasing or bullying related to your appearance?
responses
44% yes
56% no
8. Do you feel that family members influence how you see your body?
responses
31% yes
69% no
9. Do you think body image concerns prevent you from fully enjoying life?
responses
yes
50% 50%
no
10. Do you believe self-acceptance is more important than physical appearance?
responses
18%
yes
no
82%
Interpretation of Results:
The survey aimed to assess body image perception among individuals aged 18 to 25, with a
sample size of 16 participants, including both males and females. The results provide
valuable insights into how young adults perceive their physical appearance and the extent to
which societal standards, self-perception, and external influences impact their body image.
A majority (81.3%) of participants reported being satisfied with their physical appearance,
indicating a generally positive body image, though 18.8% still experience dissatisfaction.
Social media plays a role in body image perception, as responses were evenly split (50% yes,
50% no) regarding body comparisons. While 37.5% felt pressured to conform to beauty
standards, 62.5% did not, suggesting that societal expectations affect some individuals but
not the majority. Additionally, 18.8% engaged in negative self-talk, whereas 81.3% did not,
demonstrating that most maintain a positive or neutral perception of their bodies. When it
comes to receiving compliments, 68.8% were comfortable, while 31.3% were not, suggesting
underlying insecurities among some individuals.
A notable 31.3% experienced distress or anxiety regarding their body size or shape, whereas
68.8% did not, indicating that while most are comfortable with their bodies, a considerable
percentage still struggle. Teasing or bullying was reported by 56.3% of respondents,
highlighting its prevalence and potential long-term psychological impact. Family influence
was significant, with 68.8% stating that their family shaped their body perception, while
31.3% did not experience such an impact. The influence of body image concerns on life
enjoyment was evenly split, with 50% feeling affected and 50% not. Encouragingly, 82.4%
believed self-acceptance was more important than physical appearance, reflecting a strong
inclination towards internal validation.
Descriptive statistics further support these findings. The highest positive response rate
(82.4%) for self-acceptance highlights a preference for internal validation over external
appearance. In contrast, the lowest positive response rate (18.8%) for engaging in negative
self-talk suggests a generally healthy internal dialogue. While societal pressure (37.5%) and
body-related anxiety (31.3%) impact some individuals, they do not dominate the overall
perception. However, teasing and bullying (56.3%) were significantly reported, reinforcing
their impact on body image concerns. Additionally, family influence (68.8%) was strong,
emphasizing the crucial role of close relationships in shaping self-perception.
The survey highlights that while most individuals maintain a positive body image, external
factors such as bullying, societal beauty standards, and family influences still play a
substantial role. Encouraging self-acceptance and addressing negative external influences can
help foster a healthier body image among young adults. The findings underscore the
importance of continued discussions on body positivity, self-worth, and reducing negative
societal pressures.
Descriptive Statistics:
Mean percentage of Yes responses across all questions: 56.84%
Mean percentage of No responses across all questions: 43.16%
Key Highlights:
Highest Agreement: 82.4% of respondents prioritized self-acceptance over physical
appearance.
Lowest Agreement: Only 18.8% admitted to engaging in negative self-talk.
Major Influences:
Social Media: 50% compared themselves to others, highlighting its mixed impact.
Family Influence: 68.8% felt their family shaped their perception of body image.
Bullying & Teasing: 56.3% reported experiencing teasing or bullying related to their
appearance.
Conclusion:
The survey findings indicate that while most young adults (18–25 years) maintain a positive
body image and prioritize self-acceptance, external factors such as social media, family
influence, and experiences of teasing or bullying significantly shape their perceptions.
Although 81.3% of respondents are satisfied with their appearance and 82.4% value self-
acceptance over physical looks, concerns related to body comparisons, societal beauty
standards, and external criticism persist for a significant portion of individuals. The
prevalence of bullying (56.3%) and family influence (68.8%) underscores the importance of
addressing these factors in body image discussions.
Overall, these results highlight the need for fostering body positivity, promoting healthy self-
esteem, and encouraging a supportive environment that minimizes negative external
pressures. Educational initiatives, mental health interventions, and awareness campaigns can
play a pivotal role in helping young adults develop a healthier relationship with their bodies,
reinforcing the idea that self-worth extends beyond physical appearance.
Appendix:
Survey Questionnaire:
1. Are you satisfied with your overall physical appearance? (Yes/No)
2. Do you compare your body to others on social media? (Yes/No)
3. Do you feel pressured to look a certain way because of societal beauty standards?
(Yes/No)
4. Do you engage in negative self-talk regarding your body? (Yes/No)
5. Are you comfortable with receiving compliments about your body? (Yes/No)
6. Have you ever felt anxious or distressed about your body size or shape? (Yes/No)
7. Have you ever experienced teasing or bullying related to your appearance? (Yes/No)
8. Do you feel that family members influence how you see your body? (Yes/No)
9. Do you think body image concerns prevent you from fully enjoying life? (Yes/No)
10. Do you believe self-acceptance is more important than physical appearance? (Yes/No)
question 10
question 9
question 8
question 7
question 6
no
question 5 yes
question 4
question 3
question 2
question 1
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90
