Abstract
Objectives: This study was conducted to examine the relationships among body image, self-esteem and sociability according to perception of body shape and obesity level. Methods: The subjects in this study were 325 elementary school youngsters in their sixth year. A survey was conducted, and one-way ANOVA, Scheffe test, Pearson's correlation analysis and path analysis were used for data analysis. Results: Normal weight group accounted for 43.4%, under weight group 34.8% and obesity group 21.8%. In underweight group, 53.1% of the subjects perceived their body was normal or fatty while 17% of subjects in normal group perceived their body was fatty. There were significant differences in body image according to the perception of body shape by grade(F=15.90, p=.000) and to the level of obesity(F=6.18, p=.002). There was a significant difference in self-esteem according to the perception of body shape by grade(F=3.17, p=.430). There was a significant difference in sociability according to the level of obesity(F=3.48, p=.032). There was significantly strong positive correlation among their body image, self-esteem and sociability. A structural equation model was tested and fitted the data well. Conclusions: This study suggested that health education is needed to establish the correct body image from the elementary school periods by school health educators. The right body image is more important than anything else to improve self-esteem and sociability.