BODY DISSATISFACTION AS A PREDICTOR OF SELF ESTEEM AND LIFE SATISFACTION AMONG GENERATION Z

Abstract

The body dissatisfaction has become a widespread psychological challenge in the digital age associated with negative consequences related to the development of low self-esteem and poor life satisfaction. Despite growing research, limited attention has been given to young adults in non-Western contexts, where cultural values and social media pressures intersect. This cross-sectional study examined body dissatisfaction as a predictor of self-esteem and life satisfaction in a sample of Generation z (ages 18–27; N = 200) recruited from colleges and universities in Islamabad. Participants completed the Body Image Concern Inventory (BICI), Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES), and Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS). Descriptive analyses indicated elevated levels of body dissatisfaction in the sample (M = 60.93, SD = 11.71). Pearson correlations showed body dissatisfaction was negatively associated with life satisfaction (r = −.26, p < .01) and with self-esteem (r = −.15, p < .05). Regression analyses revealed that body dissatisfaction significantly predicted self-esteem and life satisfaction. An independent-samples t-test indicated females reported higher body dissatisfaction than males (females: M = 65.0, SD = 12.0; males: M = 56.0, SD = 10.5). These findings underscore the critical need to address body image concerns in non-Western populations through therapeutic practice, educational programs, and thoughtful digital policy. Interventions focused on promoting self-compassion, media literacy, and healthier online environments could help mitigate the negative impact of body dissatisfaction on the mental well-being of Generation Z.