Abstract

The present study aimed to explore the gender differences on body image perception, self-esteem, and relational styles in a group of adolescents and to investigate whether body image and self-esteem predict the development of interpersonal problems in a different way for males and females. Data were obtained from a group (n = 1311) of adolescents (805 males and 506 females), recruited in a high school in Palermo. Participants filled in the BIAI, the IIP-32 and the RSES. Our results confirm the difference between males and females in the areas investigated. Furthermore, only in males participants self-esteem partially mediated the relationship between body image and interpersonal problems. Results imply that levels of self-esteem and body dissatisfaction must be considered to prevent the development of relational problems in adolescents.