Abstract

This study investigated the impact of self-concept, parenting style, and gender on fear of negative evaluation among undergraduates in Owerri, Imo State. Two hundred (200) participants were selected through simple random technique in Owerri municipal council. The participants comprised of one hundred (100) females and one hundred (100) males. Three (3) instruments were used in this study for the collection of data. The instruments are: Fear of Negative Evaluation Scale (FNE), Personal Self-concept Scale (PSC) and Dysmorphic Concern Questionnaire (DCQ). The design used was a cross-sectional survey design while the statistics used was standard multiple regression analyses. Results showed that self-concept did not significantly predict fear of negative evaluation among adolescents, body dysmorphia did not significantly predict fear of negative evaluation among students and gender did not significantly relate to fear of negative evaluation among adolescents. It is recommended that parents and guardians should build a positive self-concept in their children, encourage them to engage in other activities, like sports, church activities, studies, school activities etc. as this would engage them reduce the extent of fear of negative evaluation. Psychologists, school guidance and counsellors should assist adolescents with body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) issues that can cause fear of negative evaluation.