Universal Journal of Public Health Vol. 13(3), pp. 607 - 615
DOI: 10.13189/ujph.2025.130309
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The Relationship between Social Appearance Anxiety and Holistic Self-Esteem among University Students in Southern Philippines

Joanna Caryl P. Esponja ¹, Donnie M. Tulud ¹, Jomar B. Esto ¹, Jo-Ann D. Santos ², Carmee Lyn B. Paylangco ², Jemwell B. Francisco ¹, Lara Ivanna C. Nadela ¹, Marichu A. Calixtro ¹, Priscilla P. Dagoc ¹, Ruben L. Tagare Jr. ^1,*, Michelle R. Dee ³, Lorralie F. Canape ³, Christian Jude Wariza ³, Desiree Ann C. Tenebroso ⁴, Lyn Bicodo-Ortele ^4
1 Institute of Sports, Physical Education, and Recreation, University of Southern Mindanao, Philippines
² University of Southern Mindanao – Kidapawan City Campus, Kidapawan City, Philippines
³ College of Education and Liberal Arts, Adamson University, Philippines
⁴ Mindanao State University – Maguindanao Campus, Maguindanao, Philippines

ABSTRACT

This study investigates the relationship between social appearance anxiety and holistic self-esteem among students at a premier state university in the Southern Philippines. The purpose was to explore how social appearance anxiety, a psychological concern related to the fear of being judged on one's physical appearance, correlates with holistic self-esteem, encompassing security, identity, belonging, purpose, and competence. Using a quantitative research design, specifically descriptive correlation, the study involved 689 respondents selected through simple random sampling. Data were collected using the Social Appearance Anxiety Scale and a holistic self-esteem questionnaire, which were validated for reliability. Descriptive and inferential statistical methods, including the Pearson correlation coefficient, were used to analyze the relationship between the two variables. The results indicated that the respondents experienced moderate levels of social appearance anxiety (mean=2.53) and moderately high holistic self-esteem (mean=3.05). A significant negative correlation (r=-.322; p=.001) was found between social appearance anxiety and holistic self-esteem, suggesting that higher anxiety about one's appearance is linked to lower overall self-worth. These findings have important implications for understanding students' psychological well-being, particularly in terms of how body image issues may impact their broader self-esteem. The study highlights the need for a comprehensive approach to student support, where physical appearance concerns and self-esteem are addressed simultaneously. In conclusion, the research underscores the interconnectedness of body image and self-esteem, calling for further investigation into the factors influencing these variables and the potential for interventions to promote healthier student outcomes.

KEYWORDS
Body Image, Holistic Self-Esteem, Relationship, Social Appearance Anxiety, Students

Cite This Paper in IEEE or APA Citation Styles
(a). IEEE Format:
[1] Joanna Caryl P. Esponja , Donnie M. Tulud , Jomar B. Esto , Jo-Ann D. Santos , Carmee Lyn B. Paylangco , Jemwell B. Francisco , Lara Ivanna C. Nadela , Marichu A. Calixtro , Priscilla P. Dagoc , Ruben L. Tagare Jr. , Michelle R. Dee , Lorralie F. Canape , Christian Jude Wariza , Desiree Ann C. Tenebroso , Lyn Bicodo-Ortele , "The Relationship between Social Appearance Anxiety and Holistic Self-Esteem among University Students in Southern Philippines," Universal Journal of Public Health, Vol. 13, No. 3, pp. 607 - 615, 2025. DOI: 10.13189/ujph.2025.130309.

(b). APA Format:
Joanna Caryl P. Esponja , Donnie M. Tulud , Jomar B. Esto , Jo-Ann D. Santos , Carmee Lyn B. Paylangco , Jemwell B. Francisco , Lara Ivanna C. Nadela , Marichu A. Calixtro , Priscilla P. Dagoc , Ruben L. Tagare Jr. , Michelle R. Dee , Lorralie F. Canape , Christian Jude Wariza , Desiree Ann C. Tenebroso , Lyn Bicodo-Ortele (2025). The Relationship between Social Appearance Anxiety and Holistic Self-Esteem among University Students in Southern Philippines. Universal Journal of Public Health, 13(3), 607 - 615. DOI: 10.13189/ujph.2025.130309.