Relationship of Satisfaction with Appearance, Self-Esteem, Depression, and Stress to Health Related Quality of Life in Women across the Lifespan

Park, Young Rye; Son, Youn Jung

Abstract

PURPOSE
The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship of adult the women' s satisfaction with their appearance, self-esteem, depression and stress to health related quality of life (HRQOL) across the lifespan. METHOD: In this study a convenience sample of Korean women aged 20 years and over was used. There were 1152 women and data were collected from November 2007 to February 2008.
RESULTS
There was no difference in satisfaction with appearance in all age group. Elderly women reported lowest self esteem and HRQOL and highest depression and stress. There were statistical significances between satisfaction with appearance, self-esteem, depression, stress and HRQOL for all age groups. The most significant predictors of HRQOL in early adulthood women were stress and depression. The most significant predictors of HRQOL in middle adulthood women were stress, disease, depression, self-esteem, and monthly income. The most significant predictors of HRQOL in elderly women were stress, disease, depression, and satisfaction with appearance.
CONCLUSION
The results indicate that HRQOL of Korean women is associated with psychological distress as with stress and depression. When developing programs to enhance health in elderly women, consideration should be given to body image as well as psychological distress and chronic conditions.