Weight-Related Teasing, Coping Strategies and Self-Esteem in Obese University Students

Abstract

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The current study aimed to examine the relationship between weight-based teasing, coping strategies and self-esteem among obese university students. A total of 60 obese university students (Males=30, Females=30) of the age group 17 to 26 years (M= 21.52, SD= 2.24) were chosen from different universities of Lahore. The measures used in the current study were Body Mass Index (Center for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2013), Perception of Teasing Scale (Thompson, Cattarin, Fowler & Fisher, 1995), Coping Orientation to Problem Experienced Questionnaire (Carver, Scheier & Weintraub, 1989) and Rosenberg Self Esteem Scale (Rosenberg, 1965). The findings revealed no significant gender differences in the use of problem focused and emotion focused coping styles. The results also revealed that 70% of the overweight/obese students were living a sedentary life style while 30% of the participants were engaged in taking a properly balanced diet along with exercise. 60% of the students were overweight due to the excessive eating, no physical activity or excessive sleeping. The results also showed that there was a significant positive relationship between perception of teasing and self-esteem and perception of teasing was a strong predictor of self-esteem among obese university students.