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Thin-ideal internalization and body dissatisfaction in Sri Lankan adolescents

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Journal of Health Psychology: An Interdisciplinary, International Journal

Published online on

Abstract

In this study, a survey of Sri Lankan adolescents explored relationships between thin-ideal internalization and body dissatisfaction—issues that have received greater research attention in East Asia and the West. Girls scored lower in thin-ideal internalization and awareness and higher in self-esteem compared to boys; however, unlike in previous studies, body dissatisfaction did not differ significantly by gender. Hierarchical linear multiple regression analyses revealed that self-esteem moderated the relationship between thin-ideal internalization and body dissatisfaction among girls, but this was not observed for boys. Self-esteem as a protective factor against body dissatisfaction among Sri Lankan female adolescents was confirmed.