Social Physique Anxiety in College Students: The Role of Study Field, Physical Activity, Physical Self-Perception, and Self-Esteem

Young adults, especially students, face challenges that increase social anxiety, including Social Physique Anxiety (SPA). The objective of the present study was to examine SPA among college students across various study programs and explore its associations with exercise, physical self-perception, and self-esteem. A total of 465 students, with an average age of 21.3 years, completed the Social Physique Anxiety Scale, Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, and Physical Self-Perception Profile. Demographic information and exercise habits were also collected. The findings indicated that the subject of study was not associated with SPA, regardless of gender. Multiple regression analysis identified physical self-worth, self-esteem, and gender as variables associated with SPA among study groups. Higher levels of physical self-worth and self-esteem were linked to lower SPA levels, and gender had a significant association with SPA. These findings suggest that global and physical self-esteem may play important roles in SPA among college students. Promoting regular physical activity and fostering positive physical self-perception among college students, particularly females, could be beneficial in addressing SPA.