The Role of Romantic Relationships in Body Image

Lewis, Alexandra (2025) The Role of Romantic Relationships in Body Image. Undergraduate thesis, Dublin, National College of Ireland.

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Abstract

Body image dissatisfaction is an increasing problem in society, with many people of all ages experiencing some level of body dissatisfaction. Body image dissatisfaction can lead to negative psychological outcome for many, highlighting the need to understand the factors that both positively and negatively influence body image. Romantic Relationships have been identified as a potential factor offsetting the negative outcomes that result from poor body image perceptions and in promoting body positivity. Romantic relationships have been directly linked in an increase in body satisfaction and many factors that are related to romantic relationships, such as length and satisfaction have been directly linked to an increase in both body satisfaction and dissatisfaction. The aim of the current study was to address these contradictions relating to the influence that romantic relationships have on body image in existing literature, while also attempting to identify gender differences in body image satisfaction regardless of relationships status. Data was collected from participants (N = 90) via an online Google Forms survey where they were asked for demographic information and to complete two surveys: the Body Image Concern Inventory and the Relationship Assessment Scale. The results indicated that while there are significant gender differences in body image satisfaction, factors such as relationship status, length and satisfaction do not appear to have the same influence on body image. Further research should prioritise longitudinal studies, aiming to gather a more diverse sample of participants.

Item Type:	Thesis (Undergraduate)
Supervisors:	Name Email Farrell, Lynn UNSPECIFIED
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Body image; romantic relationships; body dissatisfaction; length; satisfaction
Subjects:	B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > Psychology B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > Psychology > Body image H Social Sciences > HQ The family. Marriage. Woman > Relationships
Divisions:	School of Business (- 2025) > BA (Honours) in Psychology
Depositing User:	Ciara O'Brien
Date Deposited:	10 Nov 2025 11:26
Last Modified:	10 Nov 2025 11:26
URI:	https://norma.ncirl.ie/id/eprint/8900

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