Social Aspects of Body Image: Perception of Normalcy of Weight and Affect of College Undergraduates

Abstract

Two aspects of body image, perception of normalcy of weight and affect, were studied by means of a paper-and-pencil test with 62 male and 117 female undergraduates. The relationship of the social characteristics of sex, age, race, and actual body weight (underweight, normal weight, overweight) to body-image distortion was investigated. Individuals who were underweight or overweight were more likely to perceptually distort their weight-related appearance than were normal weight respondents. Among those who misperceived their weight-related appearance, both underweight and overweight persons tended to normalize their appearance. Among those who misperceived their weight-related appearance, sex was also related to the type of perceptual distortion experienced. Females tended to perceive themselves as appearing heavier, whereas males tended to perceive themselves as appearing lighter, than they actually were. There was no relationship between perceptual distortion of body weight and body affect. Age, race, and actual body weight were related to affect. Affect was more negative among young respondents than older respondents. White individuals had poorer affect scores than non-whites. Overweight respondents also had more negative affect scores than other respondents.