Tuğba TATAR
Türkiye Çocuk Hastalıkları Dergisi - 2026;20(2):84-91
Objective: With the increasing prevalence of childhood obesity, there is a growing interest in understanding how the ideal body image influence children's self-perception and whether this may potentially lead to various psychological problems. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the relationship between body image, self-esteem, and Body Mass Index (BMI) in primary school children, to identify individuals at risk at an early stage. Material and Methods: The study sample consisted of 342 primary school children aged 6-12 years. The Sociodemographic Information, Children's Body Image Scale (CBIS) and Children's Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (CRSS) were used to gather data. Body weight and height were measured, and BMI was calculated. Data were analyzed using Chi-square, Mann-Whitney U, Kruskal-Wallis, Spearman correlation, and multiple linear regression tests. Results: BMI was moderately associated with perceived body image (r = 0.428; p < 0.001) and body dissatisfaction (r = 0.422; p < 0.001) but showed minimal correlation with self-esteem and age (CRSS: r = 0.011, p > 0.050; NSE: r = 0.002, p > 0.050; PSE: r = 0.014, p > 0.050; Age: r = 0.032, p > 0.050), while self-esteem measures did not significantly differ by body satisfaction status (CRSS: H = 0.599, p = 0.741; NSE: H = 0.293, p = 0.864; PSE: H = 0.950, p = 0.622). Regression analysis identified BMI (B = 0.094; 95% CI: 0.071-0.116; beta = 0.411; p < 0.001) as the strongest predictor of body dissatisfaction, followed by age (B = 0.078; 95% CI: 0.006-0.150; beta = 0.106; p = 0.035), whereas other sociodemographic and psychological variables, including gender (B = 0.199; p = 0.122) and self-esteem (NSE: B = -0.022, p = 0.368; PSE: B = 0.023, p = 0.469), did not significantly predict dissatisfaction levels. Conclusion: BMI has a significant influence on body image perception in primary school-aged children, whereas self-esteem appears to be less affected by body satisfaction at this developmental stage. These results highlight the need for early, gender-sensitive, and family-centered interventions to promote healthy body image.
