The Mediating Effect of Physical Activity in the Relationship between Body Image and Life Satisfaction

Abstract

The current study is intended to study the mediating role of physical activity (PA) in the relationship between body image (satisfaction/dissatisfaction) and life satisfaction. Moreover, it is intended to investigate how teachers’ BMI, age may vary through body image perception. Participants included 781 teachers ranging in age from 20 to 50 years old from all over Oman. A Google form survey was used to recruit participants. The collected data was analysed using SPSS version 23 statistical tools, and the Partial Least Squares (PLS) approach was used for Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) using Smart-PLS Ver 3. The level of body image satisfaction was higher than dissatisfaction. Body image satisfaction has a positive and significant effect on teacher’s life satisfaction, while a negative correlation was found between body image dissatisfaction and life satisfaction. Physical activity was a mediation variable in the relationship between body image (satisfaction/dissatisfaction) and life satisfaction. Policymakers should empower individuals to have a positive body image regardless of their size or appearance and it would improve certain areas of their lives, encouraging them to dedicate more energy and time to other critical aspects of their lives such as work, partnerships, and even leisure and enjoyment, resulting in improved overall life satisfaction.