Self-objectification and ideal body shape for men and women.
Objectification theory posits that valuing one's body for appearance rather than performance is associated with a range of negative psychological outcomes. This theory has been tested in women, but has received less empirical attention in men. This study examined the relation between self-objectification and ideal body shape in both men and women. One hundred eighty-three college students (111 women, 72 men) completed a questionnaire containing measures of self-objectification and ideal body shape (using a figure array ranging from non-muscular to very muscular). Consistent with hypotheses, women desired a less muscular body and men desired a more muscular body. Women also self-objectified more than men. In addition, there was an interaction between sex and self-objectification on ideal body shape. For women, higher self-objectification scores were related to a desire for a less muscular body. For men, higher self-objectification scores were related to a desire for a more muscular body. Self-objectification theory is a useful framework for understanding body image issues in men. However, the relation between self-objectification and other body related variables may differ for men and women.
Oehlhof
Marissa E Wagner
ME
Bowling Green State University, Bowling Green, OH 43403, USA. mewagne@bgnet.bgsu.edu
Musher-Eizenman
Dara R
DR
Neufeld
Jennie M
JM
Hauser
Jessica C
JC
D000293:Adolescent; D001828:Body Image; D015992:Body Mass Index; D001835:Body Weight; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012649:Self Concept; D012737:Sex Factors; D012928:Social Desirability; D013334:Students; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014495:Universities; D055815:Young Adult