Graduate Program
Clinical Psychology
Degree Name
Master of Arts (MA)
Semester of Degree Completion
2011
Thesis Director
Amy Brausch
Thesis Committee Member
Marjorie Hanft-Martone
Thesis Committee Member
Caridad Brito
Abstract
In this study, the author investigated parental attachments, self-esteem, and romantic satisfaction as they related to the cognitive and affective components of the selfconcept when represented through Body Image Dissatisfaction (BID). The study was a within-subject design with 70 participants. They participants were instructed to report their feelings about each of these variables through 4 questionnaires. Individuals with low self-esteem identified as having increased BID as compared to those individuals with high self-esteem. Compared with those who reported supportive parental attachments, individuals with a highly overprotective mother reported higher BID. Multiple regression analysis indicated that gender had no significant impact on reports of BID. Discussion centers around the relation of the self-concept as represented through BID, and the treatment implications surrounding the results, with a focus on the importance of enhancing self-esteem.
Recommended Citation
Kibble, Stephanie, "Happiness and me: An exploratory study of parental and romantic attachments and self-esteem and their effects on adulthood body image dissatisfaction" (2011). Masters Theses. 609.
https://thekeep.eiu.edu/theses/609
