Predictive relationship between body esteem and interpersonal competence among university students

Ramon Carlo Masagca

doi:10.15561/20755279.2025.0605

Authors

Ramon Carlo Masagca Bulacan State University https://orcid.org/0009-0009-3390-2995

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.15561/20755279.2025.0605

Keywords:

body esteem, interpersonal confidence, Filipino context, gender differences

Abstract

Background and Study Aim. This study examined the influence of body esteem on interpersonal confidence among Filipino university students within a collectivist sociocultural framework Material and Methods. Utilizing a quantitative, cross-sectional design, data were collected from 341 respondents (234 males and 107 females) enrolled in a state university in Region III, Philippines, using the Body Esteem Scale–Revised (BES-R) and the Interpersonal Competence Questionnaire (ICQ). Both instruments were refitted and validated separately by sex using Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA), yielding acceptable model fit indices (CFI = 0.847–0.905, TLI = 0.823–0.894, RMSEA = 0.068–0.119) and strong reliability (CR = 0.720–0.937; AVE = 0.428–0.682). Results. Multiple linear regression analyses revealed that, among males, sexual attractiveness significantly predicted interpersonal confidence (β = 0.278, t = 3.56, p < 0.001), explaining 13.2% of the variance (Adjusted R² = 0.132, F(3,230) = 12.86, p < 0.001). Among females, upper body strength was a positive predictor (β = 1.094, t = 7.56, p < .001), while sexual attractiveness was a negative predictor (β = –.326, t = –3.14, p = .002), accounting for 70.7% of the variance (Adjusted R² = .707, F(3,103) = 86.08, p < .001). Diagnostic analyses confirmed that assumptions of normality, linearity, homoscedasticity, and independence were met (Durbin–Watson = 2.019–2.140) Conclusions. The study was limited to a single university and relied on self-report data, which may restrict its generalizability. It is recommended that future research include more diverse samples and that universities implement gender-sensitive wellness programs promoting body functionality, self-acceptance, and social confidence Keywords: Body, Body-esteem, interpersonal, Filipino, esteem

Author Biography

Ramon Carlo Masagca, Bulacan State University

ramoncarlo.masagca@bulsu.edu.ph; College of Sports, Exercise and Recreation; Malolos, Philippines.

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