Skin satisfaction : its relationship with self-esteem and psychological well-being in young adults

Abstract

The main aim of this study was to explore the association between the levels of skin satisfaction as a component of body image, self-esteem, and psychological well-being in young adults. The study employed quantitative methodology. Data collection was conducted by means of an anonymous online survey. The final sample included 110 respondents. The mean age was of 22.35 years with a standard deviation of 3.87 and 80.9% were female, 18.2% were male, and 0.9% were non-binary. The survey included demographic questions (age and gender) and three psychometric instruments. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used, including Mann-Whitney U test, Pearson-product moment correlation test, and standard multiple regression. No statistically significant differences were found between genders in the levels of skin satisfaction, self-esteem, and well-being. There was a strong negative correlation between skin satisfaction and self-esteem as well as a moderate positive correlation between skin satisfaction and well-being. A standard multiple regression was run to assess the role of self-esteem and skin satisfaction as potential predictors of psychological well-being. The model was found to be statistically significant with self-esteem, but not with skin satisfaction in contributing to psychological well-being.