Effects of Social Support and Romantic Relationships on Body Dissatisfaction

Abstract

This study examined the effects of social support networks and romantic relationships on body dissatisfaction. Forty-three undergraduate female students between the ages of 18 and 25 completed a questionnaire. The UCLA Loneliness Scale, Relationship Satisfaction Scale, Body Image Satisfaction Scale, Eating Disordered and Body Dissatisfaction-Related Behaviors Standard True–False Questionnaire were used. The author of this research study predicted that strong social support networks and satisfying romantic relationships decrease body dissatisfaction in college females. Results revealed that participants who had strong emotional supports and were satisfied with their romantic relationships were also more satisfied with their bodies. These findings suggest that emotional support networks and satisfying romantic relationships have an effect on a college-aged female’s body dissatisfaction levels.