Gender differences in physical appearance perception among 8th grade pupils

Abstract

Research background and hypothesis. Research demonstrates that the first signs of body dissatisfaction develop during childhood, i.e. at the age of 4-7; thus, we may argue that negative body image originates during childhood. However, the research of D. Raufelder, S. Braun, A. Latsch, and other authors (2014) demonstrates that body image is especially highlighted during the early adolescence as adolescents start focusing on their physical appearance. Adolescents at this age period undergo an intensive puberty. It is known as a transitional period from childhood to youth. It must be noted to the fact that precisely during this period complicated contradictions of physical and mental development emerge, while having a rather significant influence on the body image formation. Previous studies have shown that adolescents experience major physical, social, emotional, and moral changes. Due to such ongoing changes, adolescents' physical appearance becomes one of the top concerns. It is known that dissatisfaction with physical appearance among girls is often reflected in a desire to be thinner, while among boys-a desire to be bigger, taller, become more muscular and have a nice body shape. Research has proven that adolescents have a very precise physical appearance, which is related to their own mental representation. However, there is a gap in research analyzing dissatisfaction with the physical appearance, i.e. body parts, among boys and girls. Research aim was, during the analysis process of body part satisfaction of adolescents undergoing the early period of adolescence, to compose a combined body image of this specific age period and identify gender differences. Research methods. The research was conducted during the months of March-April-May, 2012. A random probabilistic sampling method was used with the 8 th grade pupils from 24 general education schools located in various cities and towns around Lithuania. The research sample was comprised of 1347 (boys n=674, girls n=673) 8 th graders. Research results. Results of the present research allow to conclude that adolescents are more dissatisfied with such areas of the body build, which are phenotype dependent and more satisfied with the individual morphological features of the body (facial skin, feet, cheeks, ears, hair, chin, lips, eyes, neck), which are genotype dependent. There is a difference in perception of a body image among boys and girls (p=0,000). Boys are more content with their body parts as compared to girls.

European Journal of Contemporary Education (2012–2022): Accomplishments

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