How Does Body Image Differ Between Genders?
School Name
Heathwood Hall Episcopal School
Grade Level
11th Grade
Presentation Topic
Psychology
Presentation Type
Non-Mentored
Abstract
The purpose of this experiment was to test the correlation between gender and body image. The starting hypothesis was that men would generally have higher body satisfaction than women, while the null hypothesis was that there was no correlation between gender and body image. The independent variable of this experiment was gender, while the dependent variable was the body image calculated. To measure body image, the multidimensional body self-relations questionnaire (MBSRQ), designed by Thomas F. Cash, was purchased and used. Having a total of sixty-nine questions, the test consists of a variety of questions all about body image. The test was distributed to high school students and the answers were kept confidential, ensuring more honest answers from the students. Separate charts were made for each gender and the average answer for each question was calculated. These averages were factored into the calculations to determine a numerical value for the ten subscales of the MBSRQ: appearance evaluation, appearance orientation, fitness evaluation, fitness orientation, health evaluation, health orientation, illness orientation, body areas satisfaction, overweight preoccupation, and self-classified weight. The data showed different averages for men and women for each section, but the results of this study mostly supported the hypothesis, revealing that men generally have more positive body image.
Recommended Citation
Coetsee, Hanna, "How Does Body Image Differ Between Genders?" (2020). South Carolina Junior Academy of Science. 227.
https://scholarexchange.furman.edu/scjas/2020/all/227
Location
Furman Hall 208
Start Date
3-28-2020 10:00 AM
Presentation Format
Oral and Written
Group Project
No
How Does Body Image Differ Between Genders?
Furman Hall 208
The purpose of this experiment was to test the correlation between gender and body image. The starting hypothesis was that men would generally have higher body satisfaction than women, while the null hypothesis was that there was no correlation between gender and body image. The independent variable of this experiment was gender, while the dependent variable was the body image calculated. To measure body image, the multidimensional body self-relations questionnaire (MBSRQ), designed by Thomas F. Cash, was purchased and used. Having a total of sixty-nine questions, the test consists of a variety of questions all about body image. The test was distributed to high school students and the answers were kept confidential, ensuring more honest answers from the students. Separate charts were made for each gender and the average answer for each question was calculated. These averages were factored into the calculations to determine a numerical value for the ten subscales of the MBSRQ: appearance evaluation, appearance orientation, fitness evaluation, fitness orientation, health evaluation, health orientation, illness orientation, body areas satisfaction, overweight preoccupation, and self-classified weight. The data showed different averages for men and women for each section, but the results of this study mostly supported the hypothesis, revealing that men generally have more positive body image.
