The psychological impact of body image on academic self-efficacy in Vietnamese undergraduates

Abstract

Body image plays an essential role in shaping psychological well-being and academic outcomes among university students. A positive perception of body appearance is often associated with greater confidence, motivation, and engagement in academic and social settings. This study aims to examine how various dimensions of body image influence the self-efficacy of Vietnamese university students. A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 520 university students across different regions in Vietnam. Body image was measured using four dimensions: self-evaluation of appearance, attention to physical appearance, concerns about being overweight, and satisfaction with specific body parts. Self-efficacy was assessed using a 10-item scale. Data analysis included Cronbach’s Alpha for reliability, Pearson correlation, and multiple linear regression to determine predictive relationships. All four body image components were positively and significantly associated with self-efficacy (p < 0.01). Among them, self-evaluation of appearance had the strongest influence (β = 0.347), followed by satisfaction with specific body parts (β = 0.288), concerns about being overweight (β = 0.215), and attention to physical appearance (β = 0.209). The model demonstrated strong explanatory power with an adjusted R² of 0.671. The study confirms that a positive body image significantly contributes to higher self-efficacy among university students. These findings underscore the importance of psychological support programs in educational institutions that promote positive body perception and self-confidence to enhance academic and personal development.