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Cross-gender influence: The effect of perceived male preference on female body image and self-esteem in a young adult group

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  29 October 2015

Vikki Rowe
Vikki Rowe*
Affiliation:
Australian Catholic University
*
Australian Catholic University, St Patrick's Campus, 115 Victoria Parade, Fitzroy, VIC 3065, Email: vikkirowe@gmail.com or S00045327@student.acu.edu.au
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Abstract

The aim of the present study was to explore the potential relationship between affect related to female perception of male preference for the female thin ideal (“Sensitivity to Male Preference”) and female body image and self-esteem. Ninety-three, heterosexual, female undergraduate students (M = 19.78, SD = 2.66) completed a series of questionnaires which tapped Body Image Dissatisfaction, Body Image Discrepancy, Appearance Schema and Self-Worth. The “Female Perception of Male Preference Questionnaire” (devised specifically for the purpose of the present study) assessed Sensitivity to Male Preference. Results indicated that females who expressed greater negative affect in relation to their perception of male preference for the female thin ideal also showed higher levels of body image dissatisfaction, appearance schema, discrepancy (between their perceived current and ideal figures), and lower levels of self-worth. Findings suggest that female perception of male preference may be an important variable when considering factors that influence female body image and self-esteem, and thus warrant further attention in research.

Keywords

Cross-gender influenceFemale body imageSelf-esteemAppearance schemaBody image dissatisfactionInternalisation
Type
Research Article
Information
The Educational and Developmental Psychologist , Volume 23 , Issue 2 , 2006 , pp. 46 - 64
Copyright
Copyright © Australian Psychological Society 2006

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