Introduction: Concerns about physical appearance have long been a major source of psychological distress among young adults, while cognitive flexibility may influence how individuals cope with such concerns.

Purpose: This study aimed to examine the relationship between negative physical self and cognitive flexibility, with a particular focus on the role of perceived control in relation to body-related self-perceptions.

Method: A total of 100 young adults aged 18-25 were recruited. Participants completed the Negative Physical Self Scale (five subscales; fatness, shortness, facial appearance, and general appearance concern) and the Cognitive Flexibility Inventory (two subscales; alternatives, perceived control). Bivariate correlations were conducted to examine the association between different aspects of negative physical self and cognitive flexibility.

Results: The results revealed a significant negative correlation between NPSS and CFI total scores. Further examination showed that CFI-Control was significantly and negatively associated with NPSS subscales (i.e., Fatness, Facial Appearance, and General Appearance), whereas CFI-Alternatives demonstrated weak associations with the NPSS.

Conclusions: The findings highlight the critical role of perceived control in relation to negative physical self among young adults. Nonetheless, the potential involvement of third variables cannot be ruled out and warrants further investigation.