BODY IMAGE, GENERALIZED CONTENTMENT ANDPSYCHOLOGICAL WELL-BEING IN UNIVERSITY STUDENTS

Abstract

This study investigated the relationship between body image, generalized contentment and psychological well-being in university students. Data was collected using Body Image Questionnaire (BIQ): An Extension, Generalized Contentment Scale (GCS) and Ryff’s Scales of Psychological Well-Being. Research sample consisted of N= 200 individuals (100 males and 100 females) who were within the age range of 18-25 years. All research participants were either undergraduate or graduate students from 8 different educational institutions of Lahore. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) 18 was used to compute the data, Pearson Product Moment Correlation Coefficient was used to find the relationship of body image with generalized contentment and psychological well-being, and Independent Sample t-test was used to find out the gender difference in body image, generalized contentment and psychological well-being among university students. Results indicated that body image was positively correlated with both generalized contentment and psychological well-being in university students. Also, males had a better body image, higher generalized contentment and greater psychological well-being as compared to females. Future implications of the present study were discussed.