Attitude towards Body Figure, Perceived Social Support for Physical Activity, and Self-Care Capability on College Students’ Body Confidence

Globally, it has been recorded that low body confidence remains a growing concern among college students. With this pressing problem, this study examined whether attitude toward body figure, social support for physical activity, and self-care capability predict body confidence among college students. Using a quantitative non-experimental design through a predictive-correlational approach, the study surveyed 642 tertiary students who were selected through quota sampling from three higher education institutions affiliated with the Davao Association of Catholic Schools. Data were statistically analyzed using descriptive statistics particularly mean and standard deviation, and inferential statistics, including Pearson product–moment correlation and multiple linear regression. It has been found that attitude toward body figure, social support for physical activity, and self-care capability significantly and collectively predicted body confidence. Collectively, these factors accounted for 36.4% of the variance in body confidence. The results obtained in this investigation affirmed and further substantiated the Theory of Planned Behavior by Icek Ajzen. Furthermore, future research may examine relatedness as a potential predictor to explain the remaining 63.6% variance in body confidence. The findings also highlight the need for higher education to develop holistic wellness programs. These programs should strengthen positive body attitudes, enhance supportive environments, and promote consistent self-care practices, for these are enablers to cultivate healthier and more confident college student towards their body.

Attitudes towards body figure, perceived social support

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