The Impact of Dental Health on Self-Worth and Social Perception Among College Students

open_access
Open Access
Author:
Weiss, Mc Kenna
Area of Honors:
Human Development and Family Studies
Degree:
Bachelor of Humanities
Document Type:
Thesis
Thesis Supervisors:
Blake Anthony Colaianne, Thesis Supervisor
Blake Anthony Colaianne, Thesis Honors Advisor
Jennifer Ishler, Faculty Reader
Keywords:
Dental Health Perceptions
Self-esteem
college student
well-being
Abstract:
Given that college is a unique period of psychosocial identity development, undergraduate students must navigate self-presentation in social and professional settings, making dental health perceptions increasingly relevant. This study explored the relationship between dental health perceptions and self-esteem in undergraduate students at Pennsylvania State University. A sample of 120 students participated, completing measures of self-esteem and dental health perceptions. Results indicated a statistically significant positive correlation between self-esteem and dental health perceptions (r = 0.39) and dental health perceptions was a statically significant predictor of self-esteem (p < .001). Undergraduate year was not related to self-esteem or dental health perceptions. These findings highlight the importance of addressing dental health as part of broader university wellness initiatives to supporting students' overall well-being.