Introduction
Research has shown that a variety of factors appear to influence an individual’s perceived body image. Gender is a significant factor for dissatisfaction, particularly in women. Females are less satisfied with their overall body shape than males; however, recent studies indicate a similar dissatisfaction trend in males. The purpose of this study was to assess the difference in perception of body shape between males and females and to determine if there was a correlation between the subjects’ actual body mass index (BMI) and satisfaction with their current body shape.
Methods
The subjects were college students (N=152) enrolled in kinesiology classes at a major urban university. Descriptive statistics showed the sample to be 61% female and 39% male with an overall mean age of 24.25 ± 5.18 years. Frequencies for ethnicity were approximately 41% non-Hispanic white, 26% Hispanic, 23% African American, 5% Asian American, and 5% other. Body mass index was assessed by anthropometric measures using the Lohman, et al. (1988) procedure with an analogue scale and standard stadiometer, then calculated by standard conversion of weight in kilograms divided by height in meters2.
Results
Interestingly, the females (M=24.78, SD=6.21) were significantly lower in BMI (p=.001) than their male (M=28.02, SD=5.11) counterparts. Body satisfaction was assessed using the Social Physique Anxiety Scale (SPAS) by Hart, Leary, and Rejeski (1989), where a higher score indicates a greater anxiety and dissatisfaction with one’s physique. Results revealed that females (M=36.59, SD=10.25) had a significantly F(1, 151)=17.136, p=.000 higher SPA score than males (M=29.96, SD=8.64). A Pearson Product Moment Correlation Coefficient was conducted to examine the relationship between the SPA scores to actual BMI. A Likert Scale (1=extremely satisfied, to 6=extremely dissatisfied) was used to determine the level of satisfaction with the individual’s current body shape. Items #1-3 were categorized as “satisfied” and items #4-6 were categorized as “dissatisfied.” A Spearman rho indicated a significant negative correlation (p=-.236) between BMI and level of satisfaction.
Discussion
The results indicate no significant (r=.145, p=.075) relation between the two measures. In accordance with the literature, these results imply that females have a greater dissatisfaction with their physique than males. Satisfaction levels indicate an awareness of current body shape and as BMI increases, the level of satisfaction with one’s shape decreases.