Development of a visual‐perceptual method to assess body image: A cross‐cultural validation in Canadian and Spanish women

Abstract

AbstractThe objectives of this study were (a) to explore the preliminary cross‐cultural validity of a visual‐perceptual method to assess body image; (b) to examine potential differences and similarities in body image phenomena between women from two Western countries (i.e., Canada and Spain). 201 self‐identified women participated in this cross‐sectional study. Ideal, normal, and self‐perceived body sizes were assessed using a visual‐perceptual method, whereas body dissatisfaction was measured using both a visual‐perceptual method and a questionnaire. Visual‐perceptual body dissatisfaction was significantly correlated with questionnaire body dissatisfaction, suggesting a preliminary convergent validity between the two assessment methods. Women in both countries were dissatisfied with their bodies. Compared to their self‐perceived body, all women chose a significantly thinner visual representation of their “normal” and ideal body. These results may suggest a shift towards the “thin” body as not only ideal, but also normative. This study provides the first evidence for the cross‐cultural validity of a visual‐perceptual body image assessment tool. The results of the current study confirm the presence of “normative discontent”, and suggest more cross‐country similarities than differences among women from these two Western societies.