BODY IMAGE DISTURBANCE, SOCIAL APPEARANCE ANXIETY, AND EATING DISORDER RISKS AMONG UNIVERSITY STUDENTS

Abstract

In an era increasingly dominated by digital comparisons and rigid aesthetic standards, the psychological well-being of university students faces unprecedented challenges. This study explored the complex interplay between internal body perception and external social fears, specifically investigating how body image disturbance and social appearance anxiety contribute to eating disorder risk within the Indian university context. A quantitative research design was employed, involving 140 students (70 males, 70 females) across various educational levels, including undergraduate, postgraduate, and PhD programs. Data were collected using the Body Shape Questionnaire (BSQ-16B), the Social Appearance Anxiety Scale (SAAS), and the Eating Attitudes Test (EAT-26).