Relationship Between Higher Body Image Concern and Stress Level Among University Students

Abstract

This study examined the empirical relationship between dysmorphic body image concerns and perceived stress among university undergraduates in Pakistan. A cross-sectional survey was administered to a purposive sample of 200 students aged 18 to 30 years, with equal gender representation (100 males, 100 females). Assessment tools included the Body Image Concern Inventory (BICI; Littleton et al., 2005) and the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS; Cohen et al., 1983). Statistical testing using Pearson correlation demonstrated a moderate, positive association between appearance concerns and perceived stress (r = .373, p < .01 ), indicating that greater distress over physical appearance corresponds with higher self-reported stress. Independent samples t-tests revealed that female undergraduates experienced significantly higher perceived stress (M = 22.76, SD = 5.69) than male peers (M = 19.99, SD = 6.01 ), whereas mean levels of body image concern did not differ significantly between genders. These findings suggest that dysmorphic appearance anxiety is a meaningful correlate of psychological strain in young adults, pointing to the need for tailored mental health support on academic campuses.