Examination of the relationship between body mass index and body perception, depression levels and self-esteem in adolescent individuals

Adolescence is period that is open to external and internal influences. The aim of this study is to examine the body mass index (BMI), body perception, self-esteem and depression levels of middle school and high school students during adolescence, and then to Decipher the relationship between BMI and body perception and self-esteem and depression levels. In order to achieve this goal, the research universe was determined in Gaziantep province, and after obtaining the necessary permits, 495 girls and 383 boys studying in Gaziantep province during the 2022-2023 education period, a total of 878 participants were evaluated. The age ranges of the participants ranged from 11 to 18, with 457 of them in early adolescence and 421 in middle adolescence The "Personal Information Form", the "Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale", the "Child Depression Scale" and the "Body Perception Scale" were used to collect data from the students. The data obtained from the research were interpreted with the "SPSS 23.0 for Windows" package program. Independent sample t-test, ANOVA, Pearson correlation, regression analyses were preferred in the analysis of the data. In the analyses that examined the differentiation of demographic changes, it was determined that gender and perceived income status caused a differentiation in body perception, self-esteem and depression; depression differed in other groups except for parent education status. There was no significant relationship between BMI and self-esteem in bilateral comparisons between BMI, self-esteem, depression and body perception scores, while there was a relationship in other comparisons. In the regression analyses, it was determined that BMI is not a significant predictor of depression. It has been found that self-esteem and body perception are strong predictors of depression and it can explain 39% of the depression variance. In summary, individuals' BMI and their perspective on their bodies can affect their self-esteem and emotional state. All the results of the research have been discussed within the framework of the literature and suggestions have been made for future research. Keywords: Adolescence; BMI; body perception; Self respect; Depression