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@article{184160,
        author = {Dr. Arathi M Nair},
        title = {Social Comparison and Body Image Perception as Correlates with Mental Health Among Adolescents},
        journal = {International Journal of Innovative Research in Technology},
        year = {2025},
        volume = {12},
        number = {4},
        pages = {323-327},
        issn = {2349-6002},
        url = {https://ijirt.org/article?manuscript=184160},
        abstract = {Adolescence is a crucial developmental stage during which body image and psychological well-being become central to identity formation. The present study investigates the relationship between social comparison, body image perception, and mental health among adolescents. A sample of 240 students (120 males and 120 females) aged 15–18 years was selected using purposive sampling from higher secondary schools in Kerala. Standardized instruments—the Social Comparison Scale (SCS), Body Image Questionnaire (BIQ), and General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-28) were administered to measure comparison tendencies, body satisfaction, and mental health status, respectively. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, t-tests, and Pearson’s correlation. Results indicated that female adolescents reported significantly higher levels of social comparison, whereas no significant gender differences were found in body image and mental health scores. Correlation analysis revealed that higher levels of social comparison were associated with greater body dissatisfaction and poorer mental health. These findings suggest that frequent upward comparisons, particularly in the digital age dominated by social media, contribute to body image concerns and psychological distress. The study highlights the importance of media literacy programs, school-based counselling, and family support systems to help adolescents critically evaluate unrealistic portrayals, build resilience, and maintain positive self-concept. Future research should include longitudinal and intervention-based designs to strengthen causal inferences and expand generalizability.},
        keywords = {adolescents, social comparison, body image, mental health},
        month = {September},
        }