Gender Differences in Perceptions of Attractive Male Body Figures and Frequency of Body Comparison

Lucy Pollard, Verena Pritchard

Research output: Contribution to conferencePoster

Abstract

Background: Research on gender specific perceptions of male body attractiveness and peer comparison is rare and tends to focus on muscle related stimuli.

Objectives: To determine; 1) whether male and female perceptions of attractive male body image are similar, and 2) how frequently males compare themselves to male peers. Methodology: 40 male and female undergraduates were asked to rate the attractiveness of male body figures ranging from slim to muscular build.

Results: Males perceive a muscular body figure to be most attractive to females while females preferred a moderate male build. In terms of same sex comparisons, it was found that males rarely compared their body to their male peers apart from upper body shape and muscle tone, which is consistent with previous research about dissatisfaction in males (Grogan, 1999).

Conclusion: Male’s awareness of female preferences may help to reduce body dysmorphia in males and striving for an unrealistic body type.
Original languageEnglish
Publication statusPublished - 04 May 2013
EventBritish Psychological Society Welsh Branch Annual Student Conference - Glyndwr University, Wrexham, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
Duration: 04 May 2013 → …

Conference

ConferenceBritish Psychological Society Welsh Branch Annual Student Conference
Country/TerritoryUnited Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
CityWrexham
Period04 May 2013 → …

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