Abstract

This study was conducted for the purpose of determining the correlation of body image, obsessive compulsion, and perfectionism with the incidence of depression among university students. A descriptive correlation study design was used. A convenience sample consisting of 593 (311 male, 282 female) university students recruited from four universities was established. The SPSS Win20.0 program was used for descriptive analysis, t-test, Chi-square test, Pearson's correlation coefficient analysis, and multiple-regression analysis. In the male subjects, depression had a significant positive correlation with body image dissatisfaction (r=.210, p=.000) and obsessive compulsion (r=.326, p=.000), and a significant negative correlation with self-oriented perfectionism (r=−.202, p=.000). The main factors that were found to contribute to depression were body image dissatisfaction (Ղ=.215, p=.000) and obsessive compulsion (B=.338, p=.000). In the female subjects, depression had a significant positive correlation with body image dissatisfaction (r=.311, p=.000), socially prescribed perfectionism (r=.283, p=.000),and obsessive compulsion (r=.372, p=.000). The main factors that were found to contribute to depression were Major (Ղ=−.113, p=.038), body image dissatisfaction (Ղ= .239, p=.000), socially prescribed perfectionism (Ղ=.127, p=.028), and obsessive compulsion (Ղ=.328, p=.000). It was found in this study that body image dissatisfaction and obsessive compulsion contribute most to the incidence of depression among university students. To decrease the incidence of depression among university students, an education and training program on decreasing obsessive behavior should be provided to such students. (Korean J Str Res 2013;21:1∼11)

• Keywords: Body image, Perfectionism, Obsessive compulsion, Depression;