The Effects of Dietary Supplements On Self-concept

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship, if any, between taking a dietary supplement and changes in self-concept. To research this relationship a study was performed using 40 female subjects ranging from 19 to 49 years old. The subjects were split into an experimental and control group each containing 20 subjects. The subjects from each group were given a questionnaire, which measured two important aspects of self-concept; self-esteem and body image. Following the administration of the questionnaire the experimental subjects started the supplement regiment for the experiment. All subjects completed an informed consent form agreeing to live within the experimental standard for a 30-day period. The experimental subjects agreed to take two Sportrim Turbo pills orally per day during the duration of the experiment. After a four- week period both groups were given a follow-up questionnaire similar to the first. The score from the first test was then subtracted from the post-test score, to determine the difference score. The difference scores were then computed in a t-test for independent groups to identify the probability of differences being due to sampling or other error. A statistically significant difference in change in self-esteem was found between the experimental and control group with the experimental group showing more gains. These results may be important in increasing the overall self-confidence of women or in decreasing the amount of eating disorders among women.