Analyzing the Relationship between Self-esteem, Physical Abnormality, and Knowledge of Body image among Male and Female Nurses; with Emphasis on the Moderating Role of Gender Variable

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 MSc Student, Department of Sports Injuries and Corrective Exercises, Faculty of Sports Sciences, Shahid Bahonar University, Kerman, Iran

2 Professor, Department of Sports Injuries and Corrective Exercises, Faculty of Sports Sciences, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Kerman, Iran

3 Assistant Professor, Department of Motor Behavior, Faculty of Sports Sciences, Shahid Bahonar University, Kerman, Iran,

4 MSc, Department of Sports Injuries and Corrective Exercises, Faculty of Sports Sciences, Shahid Bahonar University, Kerman, Iran

Abstract

Introduction & Purpose: The major effect of dissatisfaction with body image on psychological functioning is self-esteem. However, the role of gender in this relationship has not been investigated yet. The main objective of the present study is to investigate the relationship between self-esteem and the level and severity of physical abnormality and knowledge of body image among nurses by examining the moderating role of gender.

Methodology: The participants included all male and female nurses (129 individuals) employed in hospitals in Bam city. First, the participants were examined to diagnose skeletal disorders. Then, the Self-Esteem and the body image Questionnaires were provided to the participants to answer the questions. Hierarchical regression analysis was used to analyze the relationships between variables and their effects.

Results: The results of the present study showed that self-esteem significantly predicts physical abnormality (P=0.001). However, no relationship was found between knowledge of body image and self-esteem (P=0.174). Additionally, the role of gender was significant in the effect of physical abnormality on self-esteem (P=0.032), while the moderating role of gender was not significant in the effect of knowledge of body image on self-esteem (P=0.109).

Conclusion: The results of the present study suggest that programs should be developed to identify and address body abnormalities to increase nurses' self-esteem. Attention should also be paid to the gender differences in the effect of physical abnormality on self-esteem.

Keywords