Self-esteem and Loneliness in Russian Adolescents with Body Dissatisfaction

Adolescents satisfied and dissatisfied with their body were compared in body image, appearance perception, self-esteem and loneliness. The majority of adolescents made a clear distinction between the concepts of “body” and “appearance”. Body image and body satisfaction were associated primarily with weight perception. Adolescents with body dissatisfaction viewed themselves as weak and inactive, had an intense conflict between the actual and desired self, and often experienced a feeling of loneliness. The most significant body areas were the abdomen, thighs and breasts for girls, and the shoulders, chest and muscle mass for boys.