“Gender and Age Differences in Perceptions of Body Image and Desirable Body Shape. PSY11 Introduction to Psychology 1A Assignment 2 – Section A (Value: 15% of final grade)”

Abstract

It seems the most important indication of beauty for women in our society is the prevailing ideal of thinness. As a result, many women desire an unrealistically thin body shape. This pre-occupation with thinness is a recent development, as the perception of a womens body shape has changed significantly over the past few decades.

This study aims to replicate the findings of Fallon and Rozin (1985). In this study, 105 females and 58 males rated their current figure, their ideal figure and the body shape of the opposite sex they found most attractive. The results showed that females perceived their current figure to be larger than their ideal. For males, the difference between their ideal and their current was minimal. It was also found that there is a mild positive correlation between age and ideal body shape for women, and age and the female body shape found most attracti…(short extract)