The Influence of Appearance Satisfaction on Psychological Well-being and Interpersonal Relationships in College Students

Abstract

This study attempted to unveil correlations among appearance satisfaction, psychological well-being, and interpersonal relationships among college students to contribute to the development of a mental health promotion program. Analysis results found the following: As satisfaction with body image and subjective appearance satisfaction increased, life's purpose also improved. In other words, with a higher appearance satisfaction, psychological well-being increased. Concerning the effects of appearance satisfaction on interpersonal relationships, as satisfaction with body image and appearance satisfaction increased, ‘satisfaction,’ ‘communication,’ and ‘intimacy’ improved, thereby forming positive interpersonal relationships. Regarding the influence of psychological well-being on interpersonal relationships, as psychological well-being improved, there was a greater possibility of maintaining a positive relationship with a good quality of life and a high level of intimacy. This study is meaningful because it confirmed that appearance satisfaction influences psychological well-being and interpersonal relationships in college students. However, this study was performed on students from a certain region only. Therefore, there should be further studies on more extensive populations.