Clothing and Appearance among Early, Middle and Late Adolescents

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate clothing use, satisfaction with clothing and satisfaction with the body among early, middle and late adolescents. Data were collected from 478 sixth, ninth and twelfth grade males and females in two school districts, one urban, one rural and separated by 45 miles. Dramatic physical, psychological and social changes are expected to take place during this transitional period of development; however, most research on adolescents and appearance has focused on them as if they were a homogeneous group. Significant differences were found between stages of adolescence on clothing use, satisfaction with clothing and satisfaction with appearance of the body. Older adolescents were less satisfied with their clothing and their bodies than were younger adolescents. Gender differences found between clothing and appearance variables seem to be largely reflective of society in terms of how males and females are socialized (e.g. physical effectiveness for males, physical attractiveness for females). Large differences found between rural and urban adolescents indicate the importance of identifying adolescents by place of residence when examining clothing and appearance and perhaps other lifestyle variables.