1998 Volume 49 Issue 9 Pages 1037-1044
The aim of this study is to clarify body awareness of female college students and factors influencing their perceptions on body shape. A survey and body measurements were carried out on 289 female college students in 1993.
The results obtained are as follows :
1) Students are discontented with their large body girths, except bust girth, and their short heights and linear measurements. They are especially discontented with the lower half of their bodies.
2) Students have a certain common image of the ideal body shape. Consequently, the standard deviations of ideal body values are smaller than those of students' real body values.
3) Perception of body shape is composed of five factors, namely orientation to slenderness, slim hip, slim waist, large bust and tall stature.
4) Satisfaction with the whole body is influenced by the shape of individual body features.
5) Magazine articles on body shape or stylishness are important factors in determining body awareness.
