title: Preference for attractiveness and thinness in a partner: influence of internalization of the thin ideal and shape/weight dissatisfaction in heterosexual women, heterosexual men, lesbians, and gay men.
abstract: This study assesses whether characteristics of one's own body image influences preferences of attractiveness in a partner. The role of gender and sexual orientation is also considered. Heterosexual women (n=67), lesbian women (n=73), heterosexual men (n=61) and gay men (n=82) participated in an internet survey assessing attitudes towards the body and preferences of attractiveness in a partner. Men in particular were found to prefer attractive partners, regardless of sexual orientation. Weight/shape dissatisfaction was found to be a negative predictor for heterosexual men and women. For gay men, preferences were better explained by internalization and weight/shape dissatisfaction. No such associations were found in the lesbian group. Levels of weight/shape dissatisfaction and internalization of socio-cultural slenderness ideals influence expectations of thinness and attractiveness in a partner with this effect being modified by gender and sexual orientation.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, LWL Clinic Dortmund, University Hospital of the Ruhr-University Bochum, Dortmund, Germany. tanja.legenbauer@rub.de
authors.forename: Tanja
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Legenbauer
authors.forename: Silja
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Vocks
authors.forename: Corinna
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Schäfer
authors.forename: Sabine
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Schütt-Strömel
authors.forename: Wolfgang
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Hiller
authors.forename: Christof
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Wagner
authors.forename: Claus
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Vögele
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001504:Beauty; D001828:Body Image; D015992:Body Mass Index; D049628:Body Size; D001835:Body Weight; D002755:Choice Behavior; D005260:Female; D006306:Health Surveys; D020010:Heterosexuality / Q000523:psychology*; D018452:Homosexuality, Female / Q000523:psychology*; D018451:Homosexuality, Male / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D007389:Internal-External Control; D008297:Male; D010549:Personal Satisfaction; D012747:Sexual Partners / Q000523:psychology*; D012945:Social Values; D013851:Thinness / Q000523:psychology*; D055815:Young Adult