[Health as a Measure of Performance: Self-Esteem-Contingent Health Demands and Psychological Distress among
Katrin Ulrike Obst1, Susen Köslich-Strumann1, Till Utesch1,2
1Zentrale Einrichtung Prävention und universitäres Gesundheitsmanagement, Universität zu Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany.
Objective:
This study examines health orientation (perceived importance of a healthy lifestyle) health-related self-demands, and their association with psychological distress among university students.
Methods:
Cross-sectional data were analyzed. Measures included health orientation, external and health-related self-demands, psychological distress (BSI-18), and self-esteem (Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale).
Results:
83% of participants rated a healthy lifestyle as important, while 53% reported feelings of failure when unable to meet these standards. Health orientation was associated with lower psychological distress, whereas health-related self-demands were associated with higher distress, partly mediated by reduced self-esteem.
Conclusion:
Self-determined health values appear to have a protective effect, whereas normatively internalized health-related demands are associated with increased psychological distress.
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Self-Esteem
Sources of Self-Esteem II: Performance Feedback
Self-Discrepancy Theory
Benefits of Self-Esteem
Sources of Self-Esteem III: Social Comparison
Need for Self-Esteem
