Male Figural Rating Scales: A Critical Review of the Literature

Abstract

Figural rating scales are tools used to measure male body dissatisfaction. The present review aimed to examine the design and psychometric properties of male figural rating scales and make recommendations based on findings. Relevant databases were systematically searched for studies that had developed and validated male figural rating scales. Twenty studies were included in this review. Figural rating scales differed in terms of the number of images represented and type of stimuli used (hand-drawn silhouettes, hand-drawn figures, computer-rendered figures, and photograph figures). Reliability and validity evidence varied greatly in strength across all scales. Four of the 20 scales included a correlational analysis between figural rating scale scores and eating disorder symptoms. Results showed the moderate to high positive correlations between eating disorder symptoms and figural rating scale perceived and index scores, suggesting that figural rating scales are sensitive to detecting eating disorder symptoms. Ideally, male figural rating scales should show strong validity and reliability, include variations in both body fat and muscularity, utilise realistic body stimuli, and be interval scales. No existing male figural rating scale meets these criteria. However, this review identifies five figural rating scales that meet the majority of the recommended criteria.

The Somatomorphic Matrix‐Female: More evidence for the validity of bidimensional figural rating scales for women

“…This discrepancy score serves as an important indicator of problematic body image across a variety of domains. For instance, a large discrepancy between one's desired and actual body is associated with elevated body dissatisfaction (Fingeret et al, 2004; Gardner & Brown, 2010; Talbot et al, 2019, 2020), reduced body appreciation (Mutale et al, 2016; Novella et al, 2015; Swami et al, 2008), a higher drive for muscularity (Hildebrandt et al, 2004; Novella et al, 2015), and exacerbated eating disorder symptoms (Smith et al, 2011). Thus, figural rating scales clearly have the potential to provide a nuanced understanding and assessment of how the pursuit of distinct idealized body types and features are related to eating and weight‐related psychopathologies.…”

“…There has been a large range of both male and female figural rating scales developed and validated over the past 40 years (Gardner & Brown, 2010; Talbot et al, 2020). The development of these scales is influenced by available technology (e.g., some figural rating scales are drawings, some are silhouettes, some are photographs, and some are computer‐rendered), and which aspects of body image were deemed important to men and women at the time of development.…”

Predictors of body image dissatisfaction in kinesiology students

“…However, it is incorrect to assume that body dissatisfaction exists only in women. Research indicates that body image dissatisfaction in the male population has been on the rise in recent years (see Talbot et al, 2020 ). Although there are some similarities, body image dissatisfaction manifests differently in men and women.…”

“…This difference can be related to the shape and composition of what men and women consider the ideal body. Most men think a mesomorphic body type to be ideal ( Talbot et al, 2020 ). Such a body type is defined by a low percentage of body fat combined with defined, visible muscles (developed muscles of the chest, shoulders, and arms; narrow waist and hips, and a V-shaped torso; see Talbot et al, 2020 ).…”

“…Most men think a mesomorphic body type to be ideal ( Talbot et al, 2020 ). Such a body type is defined by a low percentage of body fat combined with defined, visible muscles (developed muscles of the chest, shoulders, and arms; narrow waist and hips, and a V-shaped torso; see Talbot et al, 2020 ). In the Western world, most women idealize a low body fat percentage a narrow waist, and strive for an hourglass figure.…”