The Influential Factors of Body Image among High School Students

The present study was designed to develop predictive model for the influential factors of body image among high school students (N=379) in China. Five factors were assessed, including body mass index (BMI), self-esteem, perception of teasing, physical appearance comparison and perceived social pressure. One SEM model, which had good fit indices, BMI exerted its influence on body image indirectly through perception of teasing. Two sources of sociocultural influences, perception of teasing directly and indirectly predicted body dissatisfaction, social pressure to be thin indirectly predicted body dissatisfaction. Results indicated that, self-esteem partially and significantly mediated the relationship between sociocultural influence and body image concerns.