Relationship among Attire, Self-Confidence, Social Connectedness and Life Satisfaction among Female University Students

Abstract

The present study examined the impact of attire on self-confidence, social connectedness, and life satisfaction among female university students. Clothing serves not only as a means of covering the body but also as an important expression of personal identity, social status, and self-perception (Adam & Galinsky, 2012; Damhorst, 1990; Kaiser, 1997). Grounded in the theory of enclothed cognition, the study explored whether satisfaction with one's attire contributes to enhanced psychological well-being and interpersonal functioning. A quantitative correlational research design was employed. The sample comprised female university students aged 18 to 25 years who were selected through convenience and purposive sampling techniques. Data were collected using standardized instruments measuring satisfaction with attire, self-confidence, social connectedness, and life satisfaction (Diener et al., 1985; Lee & Robbins, 1995). Statistical analyses were conducted using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS), including descriptive statistics, Pearson product–moment correlation, and multiple regression analyses. The findings revealed significant positive relationships between satisfaction with attire and self-confidence, social connectedness, and life satisfaction. Furthermore, attire satisfaction emerged as a significant predictor of all three psychological outcomes. Participants who reported greater satisfaction with their clothing also demonstrated higher levels of self-confidence, stronger social connectedness, and greater overall life satisfaction. These findings support the theory of enclothed cognition and are consistent with previous research suggesting that clothing and appearance influence self-perception, interpersonal relationships, and psychological well-being. The study concludes that attire plays a meaningful role in promoting psychological well-being and facilitating positive social functioning among female university students. Future research should investigate additional psychological, cultural, and contextual factors that may further explain the relationship between attire and well-being across diverse populations.