Examining the Effects of Women’s Body Image and Body Satisfaction on Self-Esteem, Happiness, and Body Satisfaction
Camille B. Pearce; Janelle R. McDaniel, PhD; Seth Tackett; Krista L. Nelson, PhD, LPC

Abstract
This study investigated the effects of positive versus negative self-talk on self-esteem, happiness, and body satisfaction levels, and the effects of viewing images of overweight and thin women on these variables. In the first study, female participants (N = 79) were randomly assigned to one of four groups. Each group was asked to complete a specific task, which was describing either positive or negative attributes about their own body and/or physical appearance or own personality. In the second study, female participants (N = 99) were randomly assigned to one of three groups. The first group viewed images of overweight women. The second group viewed images of thin women. The third group viewed images of women’s smiling faces, with no photos of the body. Significant positive and negative correlations were found possibly indicating society lacks recognition that females are at risk for negative self-beliefs relating directly back to personal body-esteem.

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