Relationship between Body Image, Self-Esteem and Academic Behavior of Adolescent Girls in Karachi, Pakistan

Objective: The objective of the study is to explore the relationship between body image, self-esteem and academic behavior amongst adolescent girls living in Karachi, Pakistan and simultaneously explore the mediating role of self-esteem in the relationship of the other two variables. Methods: It was a cross-sectional study design with a sample size of 400 adolescent girls belonging to a selected community of Karachi, Pakistan. Pre-validated tools, Body Shape Questionnaire, Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale and Academic Behavior Scale were used for data collection of the study. The data was then analyzed using SPSS 17. Results: The results proved significant associations between all three variables with p<0.05. Moreover, a partially mediating role of self-esteem was noticed to be causing 74.8% variation in the relationship between body image and academic behavior. Conclusion: As per the study findings, body image, self-esteem and academic behavior of adolescent girls residing in Karachi, Pakistan are associated with each other. It was also concluded that higher body image dissatisfaction may lead to poor self-esteem which in turn negatively impacts the positive academic behavior of the girls. Hence, representing a mediating role of self-esteem in the relationship.  Overall, parents, educators, academic professionals, counselors and healthcare professionals can benefit from the study findings to positively play their parts in improving the lives of adolescents around them.       

Factors Effecting Small Scale Business Performance in K.P.K

The main theme of the research study is to examine the factors that affect the small scale business performance in Peshawar, Mardan and Nowshera of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Data was collected from the sample of 247 respondents through direct meeting and sending them the questionnaire by post. Simple random sampling technique was used for distribution. In the study two major variables were analyzed through Descriptive and inferential statistics in KP.K in which demographic factors (age, education and experience) and environmental factors (marketing, technological, infrastructural, financial, political and Govt. policies) were included. The finding of the study shows significant and positive relationship between dependent variable and independent variables. The result further shows the significant variation in the dependent variable due to the independent variables at 1% significance level. Recommendations are given to business owners and government organization and suggestions are given to the researchers.