1. Introduction
Today’s women face immense societal pressure to conform to idealized body shapes, which is often reinforced by media portrayals that set unrealistic beauty standards. These depictions influence how women perceive themselves and how others, including men and even fellow women, evaluate them, sometimes leading to criticism for not maintaining such body structures. As a result, many women experience what researchers’ term “normative discontent”, a widespread dissatisfaction with their bodies, which can have profound implications for their self-esteem, relationships, and overall well-being. Meltzer and McNulty [1] and Rakhshani et al. [2] highlight how body image dissatisfaction can affect marital satisfaction, particularly through its impact on sexual frequency and sexual satisfaction. Their studies emphasized the complex interplay between body image, intimacy, and relationship dynamics, emphasizing the need for a more inclusive and realistic representation of women’s bodies in the media to alleviate these pressures. For many people, including married people, how they feel about their bodies can have a big impact on how happy and how well they adjust in their marriage and their overall life satisfaction. When people, especially women, feel bad about their bodies, it can lower their self-esteem, cause them to become stressed, and may likely make it harder to talk to others, all of which have the tendency to hurt their feelings and their marriage. Some go to the extent of taking measures of undergoing cosmetic surgery to improve their physical appearance [3]. On the other hand, when people have a good opinion of their body, it may lead to more mental closeness and mutual respect and generally increase the quality of that marital relationship for married individuals.
The quality of marital relationships can vary widely, with some characterized by happiness and others by discontent. The differences can stem from the level of marital adjustment within the marriage. Adjustment can be seen as a psychological process through which individuals maintain a balance between their needs and the demands of their environment. Marital adjustment is defined by how individuals interact with themselves and their surroundings, either adapting to or changing their environment. This concept covers the ways couples handle conflicts, communicate, and support each other to maintain a harmonious relationship [4]. In this study, marital adjustment refers to qualities such as conflict resolution, mutual contentment, and the fulfilment of each partner’s expectations, all of which can significantly impact body image. Marital adjustment reflects the extent to which spouses experience happiness and satisfaction in their relationship, characterized by mutual interest, care, acceptance, and understanding. A well-adjusted marriage significantly contributes to overall life satisfaction, as many adults derive a sense of fulfilment and well-being from a harmonious marital bond. Factors such as emotional connection, effective communication, and shared goals play crucial roles in fostering a stable relationship [5]. Mohammadi-Zarghan and Ahmadi [5] emphasize the intricate relationship between marital adjustment, sexual function, and body image, particularly in the context of life-changing events such as hysterectomy. Their study highlights how physical and psychological factors can influence marital dynamics, emphasizing the need for emotional support and open communication to maintain marital satisfaction despite personal or bodily changes.
Body image is about an individual’s perception, thoughts, and feelings about their physical appearance. It includes how a person sees their body and how they believe others perceive it [6]. Positive body image is about having a realistic perception and acceptance of one’s appearance, while negative body image is about dissatisfaction and critical self-evaluation. Body image can be influenced by various factors, including personal experiences, societal standards, and interpersonal relationships. Studies, such as that by Tarawneh et al. [7], have shown that body image satisfaction influences overall well-being and interpersonal relationships, particularly within the situation of marriage. Their meta-analysis highlights the causal relationship between social media exposure and body image dissatisfaction, which can have far-reaching implications for personal well-being and relational stability. Adeoye and Adegoke [8] further provide evidence that body dissatisfaction is a pervasive issue, one that has persisted and evolved over time. This persistent dissatisfaction can negatively affect one’s self-image and, consequently, the quality of intimate relationships, including marriages.
People tend to experience heightened vulnerability to body image concerns due to societal expectations and interpersonal dynamics within the marital relationship [8,9]. Societal norms often dictate specific standards of beauty and body appearance, which can put pressure on individuals to conform to these ideals. Within marriage, partners may internalize these societal expectations, leading to increased self-scrutiny and concern about their physical appearance. The psychological impact of such body image dissatisfaction is significant and can affect various aspects of a person’s life, including their marital relationship. It can lead to lower self-esteem, increased anxiety, and depression, which in turn can affect marital satisfaction and adjustment. Maintaining a fulfilling marriage while balancing professional responsibilities, particularly in the demanding educational sector, can further exacerbate these issues.
For educators like teachers and non-teaching staff like counsellors, the stress of balancing professional responsibilities with personal life can be particularly challenging because the educational sector often demands significant time and emotional investment [10], which can leave little room for self-care and attention to personal concerns such as body image. This compounded stress can negatively impact marital adjustment, as both partners may struggle to meet each other’s emotional and physical needs. Pan et al.’s study [9] highlighted the importance of addressing psychological well-being and family dynamics to enhance marital adjustment, especially in couples dealing with chronic illnesses. The findings show that marital adjustment was positively associated with the quality of life and family function and can significantly affect the quality of marital relationships. Marital adjustment is a crucial factor in maintaining a healthy and satisfying relationship, particularly for women who experience body image concerns due to significant life events such as mastectomy. Research has shown that body image plays a key role in marital quality, with psychological support and interventions helping to improve marital satisfaction [7]. Body image dissatisfaction can lead to reduced self-esteem, which in turn affects the quality of interactions between spouses. Studies have also found that marital empathy and perceived social support significantly impact the quality of life of married women facing body image concerns, with marital quality acting as a mediating factor [11]. Furthermore, body image satisfaction has been positively linked to marital satisfaction, emphasizing the importance of self-perception in fostering emotional and relational stability within marriages [12].
Body image has been recognized as a crucial factor influencing an individual’s psychological well-being [3,7,13–16]. Therefore, understanding how body image and marital adjustment interact can provide valuable insights into the complexities of marital relationships, influencing individuals’ psychological well-being within the context of marriage, especially in a country like Nigeria, where rising costs of living and socio-economic woes seem to deeply impact the mental health of its people. In Nigeria, socio-economic challenges such as inflation, unemployment, and general economic instability place significant stress on individuals and families [17]. These factors create stress and anxiety levels among married individuals, contributing to mental health issues such as anxiety and depression [18]. The financial pressures can strain marital relationships, leading to conflicts and reduced marital satisfaction. The interaction between body image and marital adjustment can have significant implications for psychological well-being. In a situation where socio-economic woes are prevalent, maintaining a positive body image can be challenging. The stress associated with financial instability and societal expectations can negatively impact body image and, consequently, marital satisfaction.
In Anambra State, Nigeria, the cultural significance of body image and the dynamics of marital relationships seem to intersect with the demands of professional life, particularly among educators in secondary schools. However, empirical research exploring the interplay between body image perceptions and marital adjustment within this specific context is notably lacking. Thus, investigating the relationships between body image perception and marital adjustment in this specific population is essential for informing targeted interventions and support mechanisms.
1.1. Statement of the problem
As concerned counsellors and individuals, including married couples, we have closely observed and recognized the significant role that body image plays in fostering marital adjustment and maintaining healthy relationships. However, there is a lack of research focusing on married individuals working in secondary schools in Anambra State, Nigeria. While studies have established that body image significantly affects psychological well-being, particularly among married people, one still does not fully understand how it influences marital adjustment among persons like teachers and non-teaching staff working in public secondary schools in Anambra State, because how body image affects marital adjustment among married persons in Anambra State secondary schools has not really been studied. Therefore, this study aims to fill this gap by investigating body image perceptions and marital adjustment levels of married individuals in public secondary schools in Anambra State, Nigeria.
1.2. Purpose of the study
This study aims to examine how body image perceptions contribute to the marital adjustment of married persons in public secondary schools in Anambra State. Specifically, this study investigated the following:
The perception of body image of persons working in public secondary schools in Anambra State.
What is the marital adjustment of married persons working in public secondary schools in Anambra State?
The relationship between body image perceptions and levels of marital adjustment among married individuals employed in secondary schools in Anambra State, Nigeria.
The relationship between body image perceptions and marital adjustment levels among male and female married individuals employed in secondary schools in Anambra State, Nigeria.
The relationship between body image perceptions and marital adjustment levels among married individuals employed in secondary schools in Anambra State, Nigeria, based on their age.
1.3. Null hypotheses
The following null hypotheses were tested at a 0.05 level of significance:
The relationship between body image perceptions and levels of marital adjustment among married individuals employed in secondary schools in Anambra State, Nigeria, is not significant.
The relationship between body image perceptions and marital adjustment levels among male and female married individuals employed in secondary schools in Anambra State, Nigeria, is not significant.
The relationship between body image perceptions and marital adjustment levels among married individuals employed in secondary schools in Anambra State, Nigeria, based on their age is not significant.
2. Materials and methods
2.1. Research design
The study adopted a descriptive correlational research design. A descriptive correlational research design is a research approach used to explore and describe the relationship between two or more variables without manipulating them [19]. The correlational design allows researchers to assess the strength and nature of associations without manipulating the variables.
2.2. Research setting
The study was carried out in Anambra State, which is in Nigeria’s South-East Geo-Political Zone. Anambra State is a good place to study for several reasons: Anambra State offers a rich cultural and social setting to explore the complicated issues of body image and adjustment to marriage. People from a lot of different ethnic groups live in this state. Each group has its own set of cultural rules and values that affect how people feel about their bodies and their relationships with others. This variety of cultures gave the researchers a chance to look at how different cultural settings affect how married people feel about their bodies and how they adjust to marriage.
Second, there are a lot of married people working in secondary schools in Anambra State, which makes for a good group for the study. The state has a well-developed school system, with many public high schools in both cities and rural places. This variety in school settings lets researchers obtain a wide range of experiences and points of view from married people, which makes the study more general and useful. In addition, the researchers’ experience with and link to Anambra State, which comes from living and working in the state, can make it easier for them to talk to people and help them learn more about the local situation. From this insider view, the experts were able to connect with the participants.
2.3. Participants
The study participants consisted of 1280 married individuals (both male and female) drawn from a total population of 4887 married persons in public secondary schools in Anambra State. This sample primarily comprised teachers (945), alongside non-teaching staff, including counsellors, secretaries, typists, and office assistants, who totalled 335. Participants were recruited between 2021 September 15 and 2023 November 17. To be included in the study, individuals had to be 18 years or older and provide informed consent. The mean age of the participants was 39.2 years, with a standard deviation of 9.1 years. The majority of respondents, 902 (79%), were female, while 240 (24%) were male. A multi-stage sampling technique was employed to select the sample. Initially, the population was divided into six education zones, from which four zones were randomly selected. Within these zones, four local government areas (LGAs) were chosen, resulting in a total of sixteen LGAs. From each LGA, 8 public secondary schools were selected, totalling 128 schools. A balloting method with replacement was used to ensure unbiased selection. The names of schools were placed in a container, and one name was picked at a time, noted, and then replaced. Finally, 11 teachers were randomly selected from each of the 128 schools using a disproportionately stratified random sampling technique, based on the LGAs. This process yielded a total sample of 1280 married persons across the four selected zones.
2.4. Instrument for data collection
The questionnaires were the research instrument that was used by the researchers to elicit responses from the respondents in this study. The questionnaires include the following:
The Body Image Questionnaire (BIQ), adapted from Veale et al. [20], comprises 9 items addressing diverse aspects concerning appearance concerns and behaviours. Respondents rate the frequency or severity of their experiences or thoughts using a Likert scale. The cumulative score on the BIQ aids in assessing the probability of an individual having Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) (see supplementary Materials, p. 1). The questionnaire was validated through various methods, including factor analysis, to confirm its structure and relevance. The results suggest that a three-factor solution effectively captures the key constructs. The identified factors are factor 1, which is strongly linked to appearance-related distress and body dissatisfaction; factor 2, which is primarily driven by social comparison and perceived judgement; and factor 3, which is influenced by camouflage behaviours and avoidance tendencies (see Supplementary Materials, p. 3). The BIQ also demonstrated high internal consistency. A Cronbach’s alpha coefficient of 0.85 was established, indicating good reliability (see Supplementary Materials, p. 4).
The Marital Adjustment Scale Questionnaire (MASQ) was adapted from Locke and Wallace [21]. This instrument consists of 20 items designed to measure various dimensions of marital adjustment, including communication, conflict resolution, emotional intimacy, and overall satisfaction within the marital relationship. Each item in the MASQ is formulated as a statement reflecting different aspects of marital adjustment, such as “We have similar goals and values” or “We frequently argue about minor issues.” Respondents are typically asked to indicate the extent to which they agree or disagree with each statement based on their own experiences within their marriage. Their responses were measured on a Likert-type scale ranging from “strongly agree” to “strongly disagree” or on a numerical scale where higher scores indicate greater marital adjustment (see Supplementary Materials, p. 2). The MASQ shows strong content validity and has been supported by factor analyses confirming its ability to measure marital adjustment effectively. A Cronbach’s alpha coefficient of 0.74 was reported, reflecting good internal consistency.
2.5. Data collection and analysis
The researchers and six research assistants personally administered the questionnaire instruments to the respondents, ensuring direct engagement and reducing potential biases associated with indirect data collection methods. This hands-on approach likely enhanced the accuracy and reliability of the data collection process, as trained personnel were responsible for distributing and explaining the questionnaires to the participants. After collecting the data, the researchers utilized the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) to analyze the dataset. SPSS is a robust tool that facilitates systematic data analysis and is widely used in social science research for its ability to handle large datasets and perform a variety of statistical tests [22]. For addressing the research questions, percentages were used to summarize the data, providing a clear and concise representation of the distribution of responses.
To determine the relationships between variables, the Pearson Product Moment Correlation Coefficient was utilized. This statistical technique measures the strength and direction of the linear relationship between two continuous variables, making it suitable for correlational studies [23]. By employing the Pearson correlation, the researchers were able to quantify the degree of association between body image perceptions and marital adjustment among the respondents.
3. Results
3.1. Demographic Characteristics of Respondents
The survey was intended to collect data from 1280 respondents, but only 1142 successfully participated in the study. Therefore, a total of 1142 of the participants ultimately responded through questionnaires.
Figure 1 displays the gender distribution of respondents. A total of 902 (79%) respondents were female, while 240 (24%) were male. This indicates that most of the respondents were female, with a smaller proportion being male.
Figure 2 above shows that out of 1142 respondents, the majority, 697 (61%), were aged 31–45 years. Additionally, 251 (22%) of respondents were aged 46–59 years. A total of 183 (16%) respondents were within the 18–30 age range, while a smaller proportion, 11 (1%), was over 60 years old.
Table 1 reveals that 655 (57.4%) individuals working in public secondary schools have a healthy perception of their body image, with scores ranging from 21.0 to 52.5. In contrast, 487 (42.6%) have an unhealthy perception of their body image, with scores ranging from 53 to 84.
Table 1
The perception of body image scores of persons working in public secondary schools.
| Range of scores | N | % | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| 21.0–52.5 | 655 | 57.4 | Healthy body image perception |
| 53.0–84.0 | 487 | 42.6 | Unhealthy body image perception |
Table 2 reveals that 78 (6.8%) married individuals working in public secondary schools, with scores ranging from 20.0 to 49.5, indicated poor marital adjustment (maladjustment) in their marriages. Meanwhile, 1064 (93.2%) married individuals, with scores ranging from 50.0 to 80.0, indicated good marital adjustment.
Table 2
Distribution scores of secondary school persons in Anambra State based on their marital adjustment ratings.
| Range of scores | N | % | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20.0–49.5 | 78 | 6.8 | Poor Marital Adjustment |
| 50.0–80.0 | 1064 | 93.2 | Good Marital Adjustment |
Table 3 indicates a very low positive correlation of 0.035 with a p-value of 0.120 between body image perceptions and marital adjustment among married individuals employed in secondary schools in Anambra State.
Table 3
Pearson’s r on body image perceptions and their correlations with the levels of marital adjustment among married individuals employed in secondary schools in Anambra State.
| Variables | N | Body image r | Marital adjustment r | p-value | Remark |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Body Image Perceptions | 1142 | 1.00 | 0.035 | 0.120 | Not Sig. Very Low Positive Relationships |
| Marital Adjustment | 1142 | 0.035 | 1.00 |
Findings from Table 4 revealed that the Pearson correlation (r) between body image perception and marital adjustment for female married individuals is 0.046. The p-value is 0.164, which is greater than 0.05, indicating that the correlation is not statistically significant. On the other hand, the Pearson correlation (r) between body image perception and marital adjustment for male married individuals is 0.002. The p-value is 0.974, which is much greater than 0.05, indicating that the correlation is not statistically significant. Thus, for both male and female married individuals, there is a very weak positive correlation between body image perception and marital adjustment. The p-values for both groups indicate that the observed correlations are not statistically significant, suggesting that body image perception may not be a strong predictor of marital adjustment levels among these populations.
Table 4
Pearson’s r on the relationship between body image perceptions and marital adjustment levels among male and female married individuals employed in secondary schools in Anambra State, Nigeria.
Findings from Table 5 revealed that the Pearson correlation (r) between body image perception and marital adjustment for the age group of 18–30 years is -0.030. The p-value is 0.688, which is greater than 0.05, signifying that the correlation is not statistically significant. For the age group of 31–45 years, the Pearson correlation (r) between body image perception and marital adjustment is 0.070. The p-value is 0.064, which is greater than 0.05, indicating that the correlation is not statistically significant. For the age group of 46–59 years, the Pearson correlation (r) between body image perception and marital adjustment is 0.005. The p-value is 0.942, which is greater than 0.05, indicating that the correlation is not statistically significant. For the age group of 60 years and above, the Pearson correlation (r) between body image perception and marital adjustment is 0.157. The p-value is 0.644, which is greater than 0.05, indicating that the correlation is not statistically significant. Thus, the correlations between body image perception and marital adjustment are weak to negligible across all age groups. Since none of the correlations are statistically significant (p > 0.05), this indicates that age does not strongly influence the relationship between body image perception and marital adjustment in this population.
Table 5
Pearson’s r on the relationship between body image perceptions and marital adjustment levels among married individuals employed in secondary schools in Anambra State, Nigeria, based on their age.
4. Discussion
This study reveals that a significant portion of married public secondary school employees experience body image dissatisfaction, which may be linked to stress and work-related challenges. Employees with healthier body image perceptions likely have stronger coping mechanisms and support systems, while those with lower perceptions may be more vulnerable to stress and pressure. Societal and cultural beauty standards can heavily influence body image, with public sector employees facing societal pressures that impact their perceptions. Factors like self-esteem, social support, and mental health are crucial in shaping body image. These findings align with previous studies, such as those of Ashkinazi et al. [15], who found a significant link between body image satisfaction and body-related partner commentary, which was also linked to marital quality through sexual frequency and satisfaction; those of Filice et al. [13], highlighting the impact of social media on body image dissatisfaction; and those of Luca [24], whose findings indicated that women face substantial societal pressure to maintain thinness, leading to weight stigma and poorer body image. Primeau [14] emphasizes self-acceptance and realistic body standards, which may explain why 57.4% of respondents maintain a healthy body image perception.
The study found that most married individuals in these demographics experience satisfactory marital relationships. Several factors may explain these results. Educators may benefit from strong social support systems, including colleagues and community networks, which enhance marital satisfaction [10]. Additionally, the predictable schedules in the education sector may allow for a better work–life balance, contributing to healthier marriages. Moreover, the emphasis on communication skills and emotional intelligence in education may have played a role in their marital adjustment. These findings align with studies by Pan et al. [9] and Meltzer and McNulty [1], who linked marital adjustment and positive body image to better marital functioning. However, these findings contrast with Tarawneh et al. [4], who found that body image dissatisfaction negatively impacts marital adjustment.
The study also found a very low positive correlation between body image perceptions and marital adjustment among married secondary school employees in Anambra State. This suggests a slight association between body image and marital adjustment, indicating that other factors likely played a more significant role. It is possible that the structured and supportive environment of secondary schools might have reduced the impact of body image issues. The findings align with studies like that by Babayan et al. [9], who noted that body image is related to marital adjustment but not strongly so. Roosta et al. [16] found that psychological strategies could mitigate body image issues, supporting the idea that other factors are crucial for marital satisfaction. However, this contrasts with Meltzer and McNulty [1] and Tarawneh et al. [7], who found stronger links between body image and marital satisfaction in a similar setting.
These findings further indicate weak and statistically insignificant correlations between body image perceptions and marital adjustment levels across gender and age groups among married individuals in secondary schools in Anambra State, Nigeria. The findings of the current study are in disagreement with the results of Adeoye and Adegoke [8]. Adeoye and Adegoke investigated body image, self-esteem, and marital adjustment among women in Lagos, Nigeria. Their findings indicated that while body image influences marital satisfaction to some degree, self-esteem plays a more central role. The current study supports this, as the negligible correlations imply that body image is not a primary driver of marital adjustment, potentially highlighting the importance of broader psychological variables like self-esteem or emotional intelligence. However, the current findings contrast with Tarawneh et al.’s [7] study. The lack of significance in the current results could be due to differences in the population. Unlike the participants in Tarawneh et al.’s study (who had undergone mastectomy), the present study sampled a general married population without a focus on individuals experiencing specific health- or body-related challenges. Also, differences in cultural attitudes toward body image and marital roles in Nigeria compared to other settings may have equally influenced the observed relationship.
5. Conclusions
The findings of this study reveal that most married persons in public secondary schools in Anambra State have a healthy body image perception, though a notable minority have a low perception. Most respondents reported good marital adjustment, with only a small percentage indicating poor adjustment. The study found a very low positive correlation between body image perceptions and marital adjustment, suggesting that while body image issues are present, they do not strongly influence the marital adjustment of the participants. This highlights the complex relationship between body image and marital adjustment.
The findings of the study indicate important implications for counsellors and married persons in public secondary schools in Anambra State. Given the significant number of individuals with low body image perceptions, there is a need for targeted interventions. Counsellors should develop programmes to promote positive body image, such as workshops and counselling sessions focused on body positivity and self-acceptance. While most married individuals in the study reported good marital adjustment, those with poor adjustment should receive support through marital counselling and support groups.
The very low correlation between body image and marital adjustment suggests a need for a comprehensive approach in counselling, addressing both body image and relationship dynamics. School management should also invest in professional development for counsellors, including training on contemporary body image and marital counselling techniques. Schools should also create a supportive environment through wellness programmes and stress management workshops to enhance the overall well-being of individuals, especially among persons working in public secondary schools.
The study further concludes that body image perceptions have a weak and statistically insignificant relationship with marital adjustment levels across both genders and all age groups among married individuals employed in secondary schools in Anambra State, Nigeria.
The study has some limitations that the authors acknowledged. First, the study relies on only self-reported data, which may be subject to response bias, as participants might have provided socially desirable responses rather than accurate reflections of their body image perceptions and marital adjustment. Second, the study focuses exclusively on married individuals working in public secondary schools in Anambra State, Nigeria, which may limit the generalizability of the findings to other populations, such as private school employees or individuals in different professional sectors. Thirdly, while the study identifies a weak positive correlation between body image and marital adjustment, it does not account for other potential mediating variables, such as self-esteem, cultural expectations, or psychological well-being, which may play a more significant role in influencing marital satisfaction. Lastly, the study does not consider longitudinal effects, meaning it captures only a snapshot of the relationship between body image and marital adjustment at one point in time, rather than examining how these variables interact over an extended period.
