Abstract

Purpose: To examine the effects of appearance satisfaction on school adjustment among adolescents and, further, the mediating effects of self-efficacy between appearance satisfaction and school adjustment. Methods: Conducted a self-report survey of 640 students consisting of sixth, eighth, and tenth graders in the Jeju Special Self-Governing Province. The collected data were analyzed through the independent-sample t-test, the One-way ANOVA, the Pearson's correlation analysis, and the hierarchical multiple regression analysis using the SPSS WIN 18.0 statistical program. Results: First, boys and girls showed statistically significant differences. Boys reported higher levels of appearance satisfaction, school adjustment, and self-efficacy than girls. Second, there were no significant differences in appearance satisfaction and self-efficacy according to the school level. However, statistically significant differences were observed in school adjustment between sixth and eighth graders. Third, students who thought they belonged to the upper class in terms of academic performance and family economy showed the highest level of appearance satisfaction, school adjustment, and self-efficacy. Fourth, there were positive correlations between appearance satisfaction, self-efficacy, and school adjustment. Fifth, self-efficacy proved to have mediating effects between appearance satisfaction and school adjustment among adolescents. In particular, it had a full mediating effect on the relation between appearance satisfaction and adjustment to school life, one of the subfactors of school adjustment. Conclusion: The results suggest that appearance satisfaction is a factor which influences adolescents' school adjustment and that self-efficacy is an important means of mediating between appearance satisfaction and school adjustment. The study is significant in that it highlighted the importance of self-efficacy as one of the important variables to consider when planning various educational programs to help adolescents adjust to their school. In the light of the findings, in an effort to enhance adolescents' self-efficacy and help them lead a harmonious school life in Korea's so-called 'lookism' society, it is necessary to develop and implement counseling programs and character education materials that help adolescents develop a positive perception of their appearance and build self-esteem and self-confidence.

Keywords

• Appearance satisfaction;
• School adjustment;
• Self-efficacy;
• Mediating effects