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Body dissatisfaction within couples: adding the social context to perceptions of self
1Department of General Practice, Guys, Kings and St Thomas's School of Medicine, Kings College London, 5 Lambeth Walk, London SE11 6SP, UK [Jane.Ogden@kcl.ac.uk.
Journal of Health Psychology
|November 4, 2011
Summary
Both men and women experience body dissatisfaction, particularly concerning female body size. Partner perceptions significantly influence body image, suggesting social context shapes self-perception.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Sociology
- Body Image Research
Background:
- Body dissatisfaction is prevalent in both men and women.
- Partner perceptions can influence individual self-perception and body image.
- Societal pressures often focus on female body size and appearance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate body size perceptions and dissatisfaction within heterosexual couples.
- To explore the influence of partner's beliefs on body dissatisfaction.
- To examine how social context impacts self-perception related to body image.
Main Methods:
- Nineteen heterosexual couples completed questionnaires on their own and their partner's body size.
- Participants rated their satisfaction with their own and their partner's body parts.
- Data analyzed for within-couple agreement and differences in body size ratings.
Main Results:
- Women reported higher levels of body dissatisfaction than men.
- Both genders expressed dissatisfaction with specific body parts.
- Couples showed agreement on male partner's body size but differences for the female partner.
- Both partners reported most dissatisfaction with the female partner's body size.
Conclusions:
- A partner's beliefs may significantly contribute to an individual's body dissatisfaction.
- The female body appears to be a common focus of criticism for both men and women.
- Social and cultural contexts play a crucial role in shaping self-perception and body image.
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