BODY IMAGE PERCEPTION AND COGNITIVE DISTORTIONS AS PREDICTORS OF INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION AMONG STUDENTS OF BENUE STATE UNIVERSITY, MAKURDI, NIGERIA

Abstract

This research examined how students’ perception of their body image and cognitive distortions affect their interpersonal communication at Benue State University, Makurdi. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 200 participants from the same university, selected through a simple random sampling technique. The Interpersonal Communication Scale (ICS), Body-Image Questionnaire (BIQ), and Cognitive Distortions Questionnaire (CD-Quest) were utilized to gather data. Three hypotheses were tested using linear and multiple regression analysis. The first hypothesis indicated that body image perception did not significantly impact students’ interpersonal communication [f (1,198) = 1.294; p >.081 and R2 =.006)]. The second hypothesis demonstrated that cognitive distortions significantly influenced students’ interpersonal communication [f (1,198) = 14.844; p <.000, R=.264 and R2 =.070)]. The third hypothesis indicated that both body image perception and cognitive distortions collectively affected students’ interpersonal communication [f (2,197) = 8.833; p <.000, R=.287 and R2 =.082)]. Based on these findings, it is recommended that students be encouraged to enhance their verbal and non-verbal skills and be mindful of their body language as both are crucial for effective communication. Additionally, it is suggested that professionals like therapists and coaches, who are adept at helping individuals modify unhelpful thought patterns, should be made accessible in educational institutions, whether secondary or tertiary. If the cost of individual treatment is prohibitive, other resources such as mindfulness apps, cognitive behavioral therapy, mutual support groups, group therapy or coaching (which can be more affordable), student assistance programs through school work, or online communities could be explored.   Keywords: Cognitive distortions, Body image, Interpersonal Communication, Perception