Exploring the longitudinal dynamics of self-esteem, body image, and psychological resilience in college students

While the association between self-esteem and body image is well established, research on their long-term causal relationship in young people remains limited. This study addressed this gap by using three-wave longitudinal data and random intercept cross-lagged panel models to explore the bidirectional dynamics between self-esteem and body image, as well as the mediating role of psychological resilience. A sample of 313 college students (270 females; 43 males; mean age = 19.56 years; SD = 0.78) completed assessments of their self-esteem, psychological resilience, and body image at three time points spaced six months apart. The results revealed a reciprocal relationship between self-esteem and body image at the within-individual level, with psychological resilience mediating the effect of self-esteem on future body image. These findings highlight the importance of enhancing self-esteem and fostering psychological resilience in interventions aimed at improving body image among college students.