Body image construction and mental health levels among college students: a data survey of Chinese university students

Background: With the rapid changes in body image construction brought about by the upgrading of consumption in China, trend-seeking college students are faced with mental health problems brought about by the pursuit of the “ideal body type,” which cannot be ignored. This study aims to explore the relationship between body image construction and mental health among college students. This study utilized data from the Survey on Physical Activity and Mental Health of College Students. A total of 1,192 students were randomly selected as the survey sample, and 1,044 valid samples were obtained. The mean age of the respondents was 19.34 years. Methods: First, we categorized body image constructs into three categories based on the differences between subjective and objective body image: high acceptance, low acceptance, and consistency. Second, to ensure analytical rigor and minimize potential confounders, we used a generalized propensity score weighting model. Finally, we used a causal mediation framework to investigate the potential causal mechanisms between the independent variable (perceived body image bias) and the dependent variable (mental health) in order to better understand the “net effect.” Results: (1) There is a significant correlation between college students’ body image perceptual bias and mental health, i.e., the higher the individual’s acceptance of his/her own body image, the higher the level of mental health, and vice versa. (2) Students in humanities and social sciences are more likely to have increased psychological burden due to poor negative body image. (3) In the mediation analysis, although the causal mediating effect of physical exercise was not significant, family and peer support in physical exercise played an important mediating role, especially the influence of peers was more significant. Conclusion: The construction of body image is a double-edged sword that can either promote positive individual development or lead to self-depreciation. Creating a positive climate for physical activity has a positive impact on college students’ mental health compared to participation in physical activity behaviors. While improving students’ media literacy on college campuses, it is important to enhance adaptive guidance to promote their physical and mental health and personal development.