The Effect of Fear of Negative Evaluation on Self-Esteem and Body Image Satisfaction in Middle Aged Women and Adolescent Girls

Abstract

This study aims to identify the effect of fear of negative evaluation on self-esteem and body image satisfaction among middle aged women and adolescent girls. Even though the relation between Fear of Negative Evaluation, Self-esteem and Body Image Satisfaction has been established before, it is essential to recognise its effect on adolescents as well as in middle aged women. Therefore, the main intent of this study is to determine the effect of fear of negative evaluation on self-esteem and body image satisfaction in middle aged women and adolescent girls using the Brief Fear of Negative Evaluation Scale (BFNE), Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale and Body Image Satisfaction Rating Scale. Fear of negative evaluation or Fear of Negative Evaluation is anxiety and expectation and fear to be viewed badly by others, including the fear of receiving a negative evaluation from others. Rosenberg (1965), described self-esteem as the general positive self-evaluation by a person. Body image satisfaction is a term used to describe the feelings a person has about their body, including what they think and feel. It is often described as the level to which an individual feels satisfied with their physical attributes, especially weight and shape.  This study had a sample of one hundred and eight women of both middle age between 40 to 50 age group and adolescents between 15 to 18 age group. The statistical methods used were t-test and Pearson Correlation Coefficient. The notable findings showed a significant negative relationship between the Brief Fear of Negative Evaluation and self-esteem as well as Brief Fear of Negative Evaluation and body image satisfaction. The t-test revealed that there is a significant difference in both Brief Fear of Negative Evaluation and body image satisfaction among middle aged women and adolescent girls. And also revealed that is no significant difference between middle aged women and adolescent girls on self-esteem.