Impact of Upward and Downward Appearance Comparisons on Self-Esteem among College Students

Introduction: Self-esteem is a crucial component of strong self-concept and impacts health behaviors of college students.  Perceptions of one’s physical appearance are key to an individual’s sense of worth. In order to promote positive mental health throughout the lifespan, it is necessary to assess how self-esteem levels of college students may be influenced by comparisons of their own bodies to those of their peers.

Method: During October 2014, 173 male (27.4%) and 458 female (72.6%) undergraduates completed the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSE), the Upward Appearance Comparison Scale (UPACS), and the Downward Appearance Comparison Scale (DACS) through an online survey.  Self-reported height and weight were used to calculate Body Mass Index (BMI). 

Results: Self-esteem was significantly higher among men (Mean=22.0, sd=4.8) than among women (Mean=20.5, sd=4.8), t=3.54, p<0.001.  UPACS and DACS were significantly higher among women (Mean UPACS=3.61, sd=0.8; Mean DACS=2.82, sd=0.9) than among men (Mean UPACS=3.17, sd=0.7; Mean DACS=2.57, sd=0.7), t=6.81, p<0.001 and t=3.70, p<0.001, respectively.  General linear modeling yielded a significant main effect for UPACS, F = 15.78, p<0.001. Main effects were also observed for sex, F = 4.20, p=0.041, and obesity, F=8.10, p=0.005.  Furthermore, the interaction effect of sex and UPACS was signficant, F=6.43, p=0.01. No significant effects were observed for DACS. 

Conclusion: College students are more likely to make upward appearance comparisons than downward comparisons.  For both men and women, these comparisons may decrease self-esteem; however, women may experience more severe impacts.  Developing strategies to reduce comparisons and mitigate their impact among college students are important for overall health.