Differences in Automatic Negative Thought Levels According to Body Image Satisfaction Among Obese Female University Students

Abstract

The present research aimed to investigate the differences in levels of automatic negative thoughts according to the degree of body image satisfaction among a sample of (66) obese female students at the University of Benghazi (Garyounis Campus), whose Body Mass Index (BMI) exceeded 30 kg/m². Additionally, the study sought to develop a proposed counseling framework to enhance body satisfaction and reduce self-defeating thoughts. The research utilized a descriptive methodology at its correlational, predictive, and comparative levels. The Automatic Negative Thoughts Scale (Al-Sabwah, 2004) and the Body Image Satisfaction Scale (Ahl, 2017) were administered after verifying their psychometric efficiency. The results revealed that obese female students suffer from high levels of automatic negative thoughts (77.1%), with 'Anticipation of Social Rejection' being the most prevalent dimension, contrasted with a sharp decline in body image satisfaction (45%). Statistical analysis demonstrated a significant inverse correlation and a high predictive power of body image in shaping negative cognitive patterns. Furthermore, Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) results indicated substantial differences in the flow of negative thoughts favoring those with low satisfaction. The effect size (η²) highlighted an acute sensitivity of the social dimension toward the deterioration of body satisfaction. The research concluded that body image functions as a 'distorted cognitive filter' that transforms physiological obesity into 'self-weight stigma,' hindering psychological adjustment, which necessitates counseling interventions focused on cognitive restructuring. The study concluded by proposing a comprehensive counseling framework designed to enhance self-acceptance among students based on these findings.