The Preferred Male Body Shapes of College Men and Women

Author(s): Frederick G. Grieve, Christopher C. Newton, LaVaun Kelley, Raymond C. Miller, Jr., Nathan A. Kerr

DOI: https://doi.org/10.65030/idr.03018

Abstract: Recent research has suggested that the number and types of eating disorders and/or negative body perceptions among men are on the rise. This study was designed to examine the adoption of muscular ideals by males. Two hypotheses were examined through the use of a very thin to very muscular silhouette assessment. These hypotheses were: 1) men would report that their ideal body shape would be more muscular than their current body shape; and 2) men would believe that women would find a more muscular shape more attractive than women actually report. Results of the study done with 244 undergraduate students supported both hypotheses. Implications of the findings are discussed.

Keywords: Body image; Muscularity ideals; Eating attitudes; Male body dissatisfaction; Social perception; Individual differences; Undergraduate students

Pages: 188-192

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