The Role of Personality Factors and Sexual Self-schema in Body Image Dissatisfaction

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the role of five major personality factors and sexual self-schema in body image dissatisfaction.  Methods: In this study, a correlational design was used and ۲۷۰ individuals (Male: ۱۳۵, Female: ۱۳۵) with age of ۱۷ to ۴۰, citizens of Tehran, who were selected by the available random sampling were included. They completed Neo-PI questionnaire, Fisher body image scale (Fisher, ۱۹۷۰), and Sexual Self-schema Scale (Cyranowski & Andersen, ۱۹۹۸).  Results: The results show a meaningful and positive relationship between neuroticism and body image dissatisfaction there is also a meaningful and negative relationship between conscientiousness, openness to experience, extroversion, agreeableness and body image dissatisfaction. General sexual Self-schema, the personality factors of neuroticism and agreeableness can predict ۲۶.۹ percent of body image dissatisfaction variance.  Conclusion: Low scores in positive personality characteristics such as conscientiousness, openness to experience, extroversion and agreeableness and high scores in the neuroticism with poor sexual Self-schema make the individuals vulnerable to negative messages about their body sizes and shapes that finally results in their body image dissatisfaction.