The Effects of Body Consciousness and Body Esteem on Interpersonal Competence among Dental Hygiene Students

This study investigated the effects of body consciousness and body esteem on interpersonal competence. A structured questionnaire was distributed to 220 dental hygiene students during July 1-31, 2020. The findings show that the subjects scored means of 3.32±0.26, 3.33±0.53, and 3.49±0.45 out of 5 in body consciousness, body esteem, and interpersonal competence, respectively. There were negative correlations between body surveillance and body shame (r=-0.303, p<0.001), as well as between two subfactors of body consciousness. Body shame was positively correlated with subfactors of interpersonal competence such as relationship initiation (r=0.217, p<0.01), claim for displeasure (r=0.218, p<0.01), and conflict management (r=0.231, p<0.01). Under the category of body esteem, body function esteem had positive correlations with conflict management (r=0.293, p<0.01) and consideration for others (r=0.141, p<0.05). Body consciousness and body esteem had effects on interpersonal competence, with an explanatory power of 13.4%. Higher body consciousness (β=.16, p=0.016) and body esteem (β=.22, p=0.02) were associated with greater interpersonal competence. These findings demonstrate that college students' objectified body consciousness and body esteem have an impact on their interpersonal competence. This raises the need to develop and apply a program to help students have positive perceptions of their bodies and establish their own individuality and body images to enhance their interpersonal competence.

일부 치위생과 학생들의 신체의식과 신체존중감이 대인관계유능성에 미치는 영향