How has body image changed? A cross-sectional investigation of college women and men from 1983 to 2001.
Body-image dissatisfaction is not uncommon and can adversely affect individuals' psychosocial functioning and quality of life. Various oft-cited surveys and a meta-analysis implicate a worsening of body image over the past several decades, especially among women and possibly among men. The present cross-sectional study examined changes in multiple facets of body image among 3,127 college students from 1983 through 2001; the same standardized assessment was used in 22 studies conducted within the same university. Results confirmed non-Black women's increasing body-image dissatisfaction until the early or mid-1990s, after which significant improvements occurred in terms of overall body-image evaluation and overweight preoccupation among both non-Black and Black women, despite heavier body weights. A reduction over time in women's investment in their appearance was also evident. Men's body image was relatively stable during the 19-year period. Explanations, limitations, and implications of the findings are discussed.
Cash
Thomas F
TF
Department of Psychology.
Morrow
Jennifer A
JA
Department of Psychology.
Hrabosky
Joshua I
JI
Virginia Consortium Program in Clinical Psychology.
Perry
April A
AA
Department of Psychology.
D000328:Adult; D001828:Body Image; D015992:Body Mass Index; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005006:Ethnicity / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008297:Male; D010549:Personal Satisfaction; D011788:Quality of Life; D013001:Somatoform Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology*; D013334:Students; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014495:Universities