| dc.description.abstract | Body image encompasses an individual‟s body which is related to self-perceptions and
self- attitudes and is linked to self-esteem, interpersonal confidence, eating and exercise
behaviours sexual experiences, and emotional stability. Body image and self-esteem are
of concern to undergraduate students this is due to the fact they are keen on how they
look this is enhanced by the pressure of media. The purpose of this study was to
determine the perceived influence of self-assessed body image on self-esteem among
undergraduate students of Kabarak University, Nakuru County, Kenya. The objectives
of the study were to establish perceived influence of self-perception on self-esteem; to
determine perceived influence of self-affection on self-esteem; to examine perceived
influence of self-cognition and to assess perceived influence of appearance management
on behaviour among undergraduate students of Kabarak University, Nakuru County,
Kenya. The study was guided by Psychosocial Theory by Erik Erikson which focuses on
ways individuals are shaped by and react to their social environment. The CBT by Aaron
Beck was used since this theory encourages clients to recognize how what they think and
how they behave impact on how they feel. The study had 3rd year undergraduate
students, two university counsellors and ten peer counsellors as the respondents of the
study. The target population was 8225 while the accessible population was 2509. Out of
this population, a sample of 333 was selected through simple random sampling. The
researcher used questionnaire for undergraduate students, FGD guide for peer
counsellors and interview schedule for university counsellors. Validation of research
instruments was done through peer and expert review and through pilot testing which
was done at Kabarak City Campus. The pilot sample consisted of 10 undergraduate
students, 5 peer counsellors and 1 student counsellor. The reliability and validity of items
was established using Cronbach Alpha Coefficient. The pilot results of the variable Selesteem yielded 0.705 while body image yielded 0.937. The response rate was 96.39%.
The data collected was analysed using frequencies and percentages. The data analysis
used SPSS version 25. The researcher considered ethics of confidentiality and informed
consent. The outcome indicated that most of the sampled students and university
counselors jointly agreed that self-perception, self-affection, self-cognition and
appearance management behaviors influence self-esteem among undergraduate students
of Kabarak university. The study concluded that self- assessed body image has
statistically significant perceived influence on self- esteem among undergraduate
students of Kabarak university. Therefore, the study recommends that the key
stakeholders in counselling department include in their policies and strategies ways on
how to address concerns about self-assessed body image and self-esteem. Such policies
and strategies would help in improving the efficiency of interventions to address the
adverse effects associated with negative body image for example depression, low selfesteem and eating disorders. The study recommends increasing of awareness on body
image thus helping students to appreciate their bodies and feel comfortable in their own
skin and know that there is more to their worth than just physical appearance. | en_US |
