Marital status and its impact on self-esteem and body mass index among working individuals

This study explores the relationship between marital status, self-esteem, and body mass index (BMI) among working-class individuals, with the aim of understanding how these factors interact to influence well-being in the workplace. A comparative and correlational research design was employed to examine variations in self-esteem across different marital status and BMI categories. The study was conducted over a six-month period among working professionals in urban workplaces across India. A total of 200 participants (100 males and 100 females) were selected for the study. Self-esteem was assessed using the Self-Esteem Scale developed by Dr. Santosh Dhar and Dr. Upinder Dhar (2024), while BMI was calculated using standardized measurements of height and weight. Data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics, including frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, and F-test. The results of a two-way ANOVA revealed significant main effects of BMI and marital status on self-esteem. Self-esteem levels increased progressively from underweight to obese categories, with overweight and obese individuals reporting higher scores. Married participants demonstrated significantly higher self-esteem compared to unmarried participants. A significant interaction effect between BMI and marital status was also observed, indicating that married overweight and obese individuals reported the highest self-esteem, while unmarried underweight individuals reported the lowest. These findings suggest that self-esteem in the workplace is influenced by both physical characteristics and relational factors. Marital support appears to play a positive role in enhancing psychological well-being, particularly among individuals with higher BMI. The study highlights the importance of integrating social support, emotional well-being, and body image considerations into workplace wellness and mental health initiatives.