Gender-Based Analysis of Body Dissatisfaction Among Youths in Singapore: Findings from the National Youth Mental Health Study

Ellaisha Samari ^1* Janhavi Ajit Vaingankar ¹ Bernard Tan ¹ Sherilyn Chang ¹ Brian Tan ¹ Archana S ¹ Yi Chian Chua ² Charmaine Tang ³ Yi Ping Lee ³ Chu Shan Elaine Chew ^4,5 Courtney Davis ^4,5,6 Swapna Kamal Verma ^1,7 Mythily Subramaniam ^1,8,9

• ¹ Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Singapore, Singapore
• ² Department of Psychosis, Institute of Mental Health, Singapore, Singapore
• ³ CHAT, Centre of Excellence in Youth Mental Health, Institute of Mental Health, Singapore, Singapore
• ⁴ SingHealth Duke-NUS Paediatrics Academic Clinical Programme, Singapore, Singapore
• ⁵ Adolescent Medicine Service, KK Women's and Children's Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
• ⁶ SingHealth Duke-NUS Global Health Institute, Singapore, Singapore
• ⁷ Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
• ⁸ Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
• ⁹ Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore

Body dissatisfaction, often arising from the disparity between the perceived ideal and actual body, is prevalent among young individuals and is linked to various mental health issues. Previous research consistently indicates notable differences in body dissatisfaction between males and females. This study used data from a nationwide study to determine the prevalence of body dissatisfaction among young individuals in Singapore. It also aims to identify associated sociodemographic, health-related, and psychosocial factors using a gender-based approach. Data were obtained from 2600 youths aged 15-35 who participated in the National Youth Mental Health Study. Information on sociodemographic background, body dissatisfaction, childhood trauma, BMI, self-esteem, and social media use was collected. Weighted multiple logistic regressions were performed to identify the sociodemographic variables, as well as other health-related and psychosocial factors associated with body dissatisfaction, stratified by gender. 20.2% (25.7% females; 14.8% males) reported moderate to marked body shape concerns. Among females, younger ages, Indians (vs. Chinese), those with diploma education (vs. university), those with overweight, those with childhood trauma, and those with greater daily social media usage were more likely to report moderate to marked body shape concerns. Among males, those with primary education and below (vs. university), those with overweight, and those with greater daily social media usage were more likely to report moderate to marked body shape concerns. These results emphasize the importance of creating specific public health programs that consider the different experiences and challenges related to body dissatisfaction based on gender. These programs could help promote body image positivity, increase self-compassion, and encourage critical engagement with social media content.