Body-Build Stereotypes: A Cross Cultural Comparison

Abstract

The body-build stereotypes of 185 Mexican children (150 males, 35 females, Mage = 12.6 yr., SDage = 2.1 yr.) were assessed through the use of a 56-item Verbal Check List containing words or phrases pertaining to physical, social, and personal dimensions of psychosocial experience. Similar to American samples, significant proportions of the Mexican children made negative Endomorph and Ectomorph attributions, and positive Mesomorph attributions. Despite these general similarities, some evidence was found which indicated that these evaluative distinctions were less marked in the Mexican sample. The need for future research on body-build stereotypes is noted and suggestions for such research are made.