Body Dissatisfaction and Self-Esteem as Determinants of Behavioral Tendencies in Romantic Relationships

Abstract

According to a 2019 report by the Mental Health Foundation, 31% of adolescents and 35% of adults report dissatisfaction with their body image which highlights a pervasive concern regarding self-perception. This issue is less about physical appearance and more about the disparity between how individuals perceive themselves and how they aspire to appear. Carl Rogers (1995) posited that the incongruence between one’s real and ideal selves can result in psychological distress and adverse outcomes. Negative self- perceptions not only impact individual well-being but also have detrimental effects on interpersonal interactions and relationships. Research by Murray et al. (1999) further underscores that self-doubt can exacerbate insecurities within romantic relationships, which may contribute to the manifestation of symptoms associated with relationship- centered obsessive-compulsive disorder (ROCD). A primary developmental task of early adulthood is the establishment of intimacy with a romantic partner. Erikson (1968) emphasized that a well-defined sense of self is critical for forming successful and meaningful intimate relationships. Failure to pursue a positive self-concept during adolescence may lead to challenges such as loneliness and emotional isolation, which, in turn, can manifest as apprehension and difficulty in establishing romantic relationships and close friendships (Erikson, 1968). While the roles of self-esteem and body dissatisfaction in relationship dynamics have been extensively studied over the years, their association with relationship-centered obsessive-compulsive disorder (ROCD) remains underexplored. Prior research underscores that individuals experiencing heightened body dissatisfaction and diminished self-esteem are more likely to encounter adverse relational outcomes, including increased romantic jealousy, relational conflicts, and diminished satisfaction within partnerships. These dynamics are further compounded by compensatory behaviors, such as over-investment in romantic relationships and strategic gift-giving, aimed at securing relational stability and addressing self-perceived inadequacies. This study is among the first to investigate how specific relationship behaviors may contribute to the development of symptoms associated with relationship-centered obsessive-compulsive disorder (ROCD). While much of the existing literature emphasizes the treatment of ROCD (Doron et al., 2017) and its symptomatology (Doron, 2016), limited attention has been given to its developmental origins and the personality factors that may predispose individuals to the condition. Given the substantial associations between certain relational behaviors and relationship quality, it becomes important to explore the factors that are linked with the presence of ROCD symptoms, including potential antecedents and mediating variables. Such insights are essential for reducing both the likelihood and severity of its negative effects on relationships. The research gathered data from a substantial non-clinical sample of 400 individuals between the age of 18-30 (Mean = 23.97, SD = 3.73) who were or had been involved in a heterosexual romantic relationship. The outcomes validated the hypotheses derived from the conceptual framework. The central discoveries of the research were as follows: (1) Body dissatisfaction has a direct impact on relationship obsessive compulsive disorder (ROCD) symptoms (2) Self-esteem plays a mediating function between body-dissatisfaction and relationship obsessive compulsive disorder (ROCD) symptoms. The study's findings indicated that the practical motive behind gift-giving served as a mediator in the relationship between self-esteem and ROCD symptoms. In contrast, the obligatory motive for gift-giving did not show a significant link to ROCD symptoms but was notably associated with self-esteem. Additionally, the research demonstrated that romantic jealousy played a mediating role in the connection between self-esteem and ROCD symptoms. These nuanced findings of the impact of body dissatisfaction and self-esteem on relationship dissatisfaction may shed light on the exploration of self-esteem and worth. This understanding may help individuals comprehend the connection between distress and perceived shortcomings in their romantic relationships.