Relationships among body image, eating behaviour, and psychological health of University of Ghana students

Abstract

The study examines the relationship among body image, eating behavior, and psychological health among undergraduate students of University of Ghana. A total of 140 students comprising males (n=70) and females (n=70) from collectivistic cultures (n=117) and individualistic cultures (n=23) were conveniently sampled as respondents for the study. Questionnaires containing Body Image Scale (BIS), Eating Attitudes Test-16 (EAT-16), and the General Wellbeing Schedule (GWB) were administered to the respondents. The analyses of data revealed a significant positive relationship between body image and eating behavior, but a negative relationship between body image and psychological health. There was no significant relationship between age and body image and no significant sex differences in body image, eating behavior and psychological health.. Culture had a significant influence on body image and psychological health. Students from individualistic cultures had a more positive body image, but a poorer psychological health than those from collectivistic cultures. These findings are discussed with references to the literature.