Body esteem, perceived competence and depression in Icelandic adolescents

The aim of the present study was to investigate the psychometric properties of the Icelandic version of the BESAA (Body Esteem Scale for Adolescents and Adults) and also the relationships between bodily self-esteem and depression. Subjects were 316 pupils of 6th-8th grade of four elementary schools, two from the Reykjavík area and two from the countryside. Three self-report scales were administered: CDI (Childrens Depression Inventory), BESAA and PCSC (Perceived Competence Scale for Children). The psychometric properties of the BESAA were satisfactory. Body esteem predicted depression, even when different aspects of perceived competence had been taken into account. This may mean that attention should be directed more directly to body esteem in attempts to prevent depression in young people.