SELF-ESTEEM OF UNIVERSITY STUDENTS WITH OBESITY: EFFECT OF SOCIAL MEDIA USAGE AND LIFE SATISFACTION

Abstract

This research aimed to examine the relationship between social media usage, life satisfaction, and self-esteem in obese individuals. It was hypothesized that there would be negative relationship between social media usage and self-esteem and positive relationship between life satisfaction and self-esteem in obese people. It was also hypothesized that there would be gender differences in social media usage, life satisfaction and self-esteem in obese people. Correlational study with cross- sectional research design was done. A purposive sample of 200 obese individuals (M age =22, SD=2.25) drawn from universities. The measure included Social Media Addiction Scale-Student Form (Sahin, 2018), Satisfaction with Life Scale (Diener et al., 1985), Body Self-esteem Scale (Mendelson et al., 1997). The result indicated that social media usage was not related to life satisfaction and self-esteem. Life satisfaction was significantly positively related to self-esteem. Social media usage and its subscales did not predict self-esteem while life satisfaction significantly and positively predicted self-esteem. There were no gender differences among social media addiction, life satisfaction and body self-esteem in obese people. This study can be useful for therapists and policy makers to develop interventions and educational programs to boost self-esteem of obese individuals.