The Description and Prediction of Self-Percepts and Ideal-Percepts of Body Image for Multiple Physical Attributes

The present study examined the self-perceived body state, ideal body state, perceived other-sex ideal state, and actual other-sex ideal state for a number of body characteristics in white, heterosexual, undergraduate males and females. The relative strength of the ideal choices were also indicated by the sexes. The characteristics examined were: body size, weight, muscularity, height, hair color, hair length, eye color, and female breast size. Discrepancies between the self-perceived body state, the ideal body state, and perceived other-sex ideal body state were examined for the sexes. Also investigated were the differences between the perceived other-sex ideals and the actual other-sex ideals. The influences of sex-role identity and Appearance Orientation on ideal ratings were explored. It was determined that men and women have a number of discrepancies between their self-perceived body state, their ideal body state, and their perceived other-sex ideal body state. Women had more discrepancies than men. Both sexes had a number of differences between their self-perceived body state and their perceived other-sex preference. Few discrepancies were found for the sexes between their ideal body state and their perceived other-sex ideal body state. Both men and women demonstrated inaccurate perceptions of what the other sex preferred on almost all of the characteristics examined. For a number of body characteristics, men and women differed in the relative strength across their ideal choices. The sexes were found to have preference differences across the types of ideal choices for various characteristics. Although Appearance Orientation and sex-role identity were believed to influence ideal choices, little evidence of this was found. However, Appearance Orientation and sex-role identity did appear to affect strength of preferences for males. Further research in this area is encouraged. Larger samples should be employed in the future. Also recommended is the examination of the influences of age, race, and sexual orientation on ideal choices and preference strengths.