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.
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 language | English |
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Publication status | Published - 04 May 2013 |
Event | British Psychological Society Welsh Branch Annual Student Conference - Glyndwr University, Wrexham, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland Duration: 04 May 2013 → … |
Conference
Conference | British Psychological Society Welsh Branch Annual Student Conference |
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Country/Territory | United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland |
City | Wrexham |
Period | 04 May 2013 → … |