The effect of body image on life satisfaction and hopelessness among university students

The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between the body image and the levels of hopelessness and satisfaction of life in the university students. Additionally, in the study, student's sex, age and the effect of educational level of their parents on body image, life satisfaction and hopelessness is investigated. 110 current university students who study in İstanbul participated in study. For the means of data collection, Body Perception Scale, Diener Life Satisfaction, and Beck Depression Scale were used. Also; in order to determine student's socio-demographic features, personal information form was formed. When looked according to socio-demographic features in the study, it is observed that in girl students, body image was lower compared to boy's. Besides, it is found that dissatisfaction has a negative impact on body image, life satisfaction and hopelessness but was not found significant result for other socio-demographic features which mentioned in the research. In the research, group's body perception was found at middle level and life satisfaction was found at high level, found significant and meaningful results that body image effects both life satisfaction and hope. In the part of the discussion and interpretation which takes place in the end of the research, advices were given to researchers, psychological consultants, who worked in the field, and families. These advices were given based on the findings.