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Sex Differences in Body Image Perception and Ideals: Analysis of Possible Determinants

Author

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  • Emanuela Gualdi-Russo

    (Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Medicine, Pharmacy and Prevention, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy)

  • Natascia Rinaldo

    (Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Medicine, Pharmacy and Prevention, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
    Center for Exercise Science and Sports, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy)

  • Sabrina Masotti

    (Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Medicine, Pharmacy and Prevention, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
    Center for Exercise Science and Sports, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy)

  • Barbara Bramanti

    (Department of Environmental and Prevention Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Pharmacy and Prevention, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
    Center for Studies on Gender Medicine GMC-Unife, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy)

  • Luciana Zaccagni

    (Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Medicine, Pharmacy and Prevention, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
    Center for Exercise Science and Sports, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy)

Abstract

The study analyzed the differences between sexes in body image perception and body ideals to assess possible dissatisfaction and misinterpretation in the body image considered attractive for the other sex. Moreover, the influence of anthropometric traits and sports practice on body dissatisfaction and misjudgment was evaluated. Using a cross-sectional design, 960 Italian university students were investigated. Anthropometric characteristics were measured directly. Assessment of body image perception was performed using Thompson and Gray’s silhouettes. We developed two new indexes to assess the possible discrepancy between (1) the perceived silhouette of one’s body and that of the same sex deemed attractive to the other sex (FAD); (2) the silhouette is deemed attractive to the opposite sex and the average attractive silhouette selected by the opposite sex (AMOAD). As expected, females showed greater dissatisfaction with their bodies than males concerning both their own ideal and the silhouette they considered attractive to the opposite sex. Although both sexes misjudged the attractive silhouette for the opposite sex, women were found to be more wrong. According to the outcomes of multivariate regression models, stature, body composition parameters, amount of sport, sex, and FAD were significant predictors of dissatisfaction and misjudgment. In addition to action aimed at correcting misperceptions, the study revealed the importance of sports participation in improving the perception and acceptance of one’s body image.

Suggested Citation

  • Emanuela Gualdi-Russo & Natascia Rinaldo & Sabrina Masotti & Barbara Bramanti & Luciana Zaccagni, 2022. "Sex Differences in Body Image Perception and Ideals: Analysis of Possible Determinants," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(5), pages 1-13, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2022:i:5:p:2745-:d:759666
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Seyeon Park & Jieun Shin & Seunghui Baek, 2020. "Analysis of Health-Related Behaviors of Adult Korean Women at Normal BMI with Different Body Image Perceptions: Results from the 2013–2017 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHNE," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(15), pages 1-13, July.
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    Cited by:

    1. Luciana Zaccagni & Emanuela Gualdi-Russo, 2023. "The Impact of Sports Involvement on Body Image Perception and Ideals: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(6), pages 1-20, March.
    2. Emanuela Gualdi-Russo & Natascia Rinaldo & Luciana Zaccagni, 2022. "Physical Activity and Body Image Perception in Adolescents: A Systematic Review," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(20), pages 1-28, October.
    3. Stefania Toselli & Natascia Rinaldo & Mario Mauro & Alessia Grigoletto & Luciana Zaccagni, 2022. "Body Image Perception in Adolescents: The Role of Sports Practice and Sex," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(22), pages 1-13, November.

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