ERCEIVED INFLUENCE OF SELF-ASSESSED BODY IMAGE ON SELF-ESTEEM AMONG UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS OF KABARAK UNIVERSITY IN NAKURU COUNTY, KENYA

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.