ERIC Number: EJ684789
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2004-Dec
Pages: 8
Abstractor: Author
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0022-006X
EISSN: N/A
How Has Body Image Changed? A Cross-Sectional Investigation of College Women and Men from 1983 to 2001
Cash, Thomas F.; Morrow, Jennifer A.; Hrabosky, Joshua I.; Perry, April A.
Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, v72 n6 p1081-1089 Dec 2004
Body-image dissatisfaction is not uncommon and can adversely affect individuals' psychosocial functioning and quality of life. Various oft-cited surveys and a meta-analysis implicate a worsening of body image over the past several decades, especially among women and possibly among men. The present cross-sectional study examined changes in multiple facets of body image among 3,127 college students from 1983 through 2001; the same standardized assessment was used in 22 studies conducted within the same university. Results confirmed non-Black women's increasing body-image dissatisfaction until the early or mid-1990s, after which significant improvements occurred in terms of overall body-image evaluation and overweight preoccupation among both non-Black and Black women, despite heavier body weights. A reduction over time in women's investment in their appearance was also evident. Men's body image was relatively stable during the 19-year period. Explanations, limitations, and implications of the findings are discussed.
Descriptors: Self Concept, Quality of Life, Human Body, College Students, Student Attitudes, Gender Differences, Racial Differences, African Americans, Whites
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Publication Type: Information Analyses; Journal Articles
Education Level: Higher Education
Audience: Students
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A