The Dimensionality of Body-Cathexis

Abstract

In an exploratory examination of the dimensionality of body perception in terms of satisfaction with body aspects, a principal components analysis was performed on data from 226 male and female college students. Results indicate that the complex of body aspects can be discussed in terms of a relatively small number of dimensions. The variable content of the factors is interpreted as suggesting the perceptual grouping of body aspects, and in this regard the similarities and differences between males and females are discussed and related to previous research on body-cathexis.