Body Image and Gender

Abstract

Body image refers to perceptions, thoughts, and feelings about physical appearance. The assessment of body image is based on either perceptual estimation or on affective reactions to self-evaluation, the latter of which is the best measure of body image. Although most people are relatively satisfied with their bodies, evaluative measures of body image indicate that many individuals, both men and women, from young to old, are dissatisfied and wish they could change some aspect of their bodies. On average, women are more dissatisfied with their bodies than men. The features most closely associated with body image change over the course of lifespan development and differ as a function of gender. Whereas women are most concerned about body weight and facial attractiveness, men are most concerned with height and physical strength. There is variability in the factors that influence body image, both across cultures and over time within cultures. This article reviews the measurement of body image, the factors that influence its development, and gender differences in which aspects of physical appearance are the strongest determinants of body image.