Body Dissatisfaction Within Couples

Abstract

Nineteen heterosexual couples completed questionnaires concerning their own and their partner's body size. Although women reported higher levels of body dissatisfaction, both men and women reported being dissatisfied with their body parts. Further, the results showed comparability within couples for ratings of the male partner's body size but consistent differences for ratings of the female partner's body size. In addition, both partners reported most dissatisfaction with the female partner's body size. It is suggested that a sexual partner's beliefs may play a greater role in the development of men's body dissatisfaction and that the female body may have become a legitimate source of criticism for both men and women. The implications for the social context on self-perception are discussed.