Relationship between body image and body composition, physical condition and weight concerns of female college freshmen

Abstract

Thirty - three female college freshmen were studied to compare the perceptions of body image to direct measurement of select variables which influence body image. Subjects were required to complete the Body Esteem Scale (Franzoi & Shields, 1984), perform a V02 Max test, and have underwater weight measured. Comparison was then made between self-perceptions and measured values. In regards to body weight, subjects were found to possess a better body image as weight decreased. In addition, body satisfaction increased in those who classified themselves into lower weight categories. No significance was found between subject weight perception and percent body fat, indicating an inaccurate assessment of body weight. A high correlation was found between the subjects' perceptions of ideal body weight and the measured desired body weight. Such that as calculated desired body weight increased, perceived ideal body weight decreased. In regards to physical condition, no significance was found between body image and level of physical condition. It was therefore concluded that subjects were more satisfied as percent body fat and self-perception of weight decreased, but the subjects held distorted perceptions with regards to self-perception of weight, with those of heavier weights being more distorted in their perception of ideal body weight. It was also concluded that the subjects were not correct in their perception of physical condition.