UNDERSTANDING THE PATHWAYS FROM BODY DISSATISFACTION TO LIFE SATISFACTION IN GENERATION Z: MEDIATING EFFECT OF BULLYING AND COPING STRATEGIES

Abstract

This study investigated the psychological pathways linking body dissatisfaction to life satisfaction among 200 Generation Z adults (aged 18-27), examining bullying victimization and avoidant coping as mediators. Using validated scales - the Body Image Concern Inventory (α=.77), Multidimensional Peer-Victimization Scale [MPVS]; Mynard & Joseph, 2000 (α=.82), Brief COPE's Avoidant-Focused subscale (α=.75), and Satisfaction with Life Scale (α=.55) - results revealed significant negative correlations between body dissatisfaction and life satisfaction (r = -0.26, p <.01). Mediation analyses demonstrated that body dissatisfaction increased both bullying victimization (β=.23) and avoidant coping (β=.28), which in turn reduced life satisfaction (β=-.20 and β=-.16 respectively). Bullying mediated 14.5% of the total effect (indirect effect B=-0.040, CI[-0.082,-0.012]), while avoidant coping mediated 18% (B=-0.024, CI[-0.049,-0.002]), confirming both as significant but partial mediators. These findings suggest that interventions targeting body image concerns should simultaneously address bullying prevention and adaptive coping skills to improve life satisfaction in Generation Z.

Keywords: Body Dissatisfaction, Life Satisfaction, Peer Victimization, Generation z, Avoidant Coping