Body-Image Stereotypes and Body-Type Preferences among Male College Students

Abstract

The interrelationships among body-image stereotypes, body type preferences, and body weight were examined. Three male silhouettes, depicting extreme endomorphy, mesomorphy, and ectomorphy, were rated by 17 overweight, 17 underweight, and 17 normal weight male college Ss on 21 bipolar traits of temperament. The mesomorph was perceived by all Ss as more active, energetic, and dominant, whereas the endomorph and ectomorph were both rated as more withdrawn, shy, and dependent. No relationship was found between body-image stereotypes and Ss' body weight, although all Ss expressed a preference to look like the mesomorph silhouette. It was suggested that cultural influences and the role of body dissatisfaction may serve as crucial mediators in accounting for the results.