Appearance Anxiety, Subjective Happiness and Mental Health Issues among University Students

The study measures the relationship among appearance anxiety, subjective happiness and mental health issues in university students. Using Cross-sectional survey research design, a total of 616 students were included in the study through stratified sampling. Data were collected through Appearance Anxiety Inventory (AAI), Subjective Happiness Scale (SHS) and Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS-21). Using SPSS-24, results indicated a negative relationship between appearance anxiety and subjective happiness and a positive relationship between appearance anxiety and mental health issue (r = .526). Correlation analysis also revealed that there is a significant negative relationship between subjective happiness and mental health issues (r = -.13) among university students. Regression analysis revealed that appearance anxiety is a significant predictor of mental health issues in university students. Through the findings, the role of body image in students’ overall well-being is highlighted. Further, it also sheds light on the importance of mental health related services in the universities for the promotion of mental well-being of students. The significant relationship among appearance anxiety, subjective happiness and mental health issues suggests that providing counseling and intervention services for appearance anxiety not only enhances overall well-being, but also reduces the mental health issues among students.