Gender Differences in Physical Fitness, Body Shape Satisfaction and Body Figure Preferences

Author: Hanzla Ashfaq

Supervisor: Prof. Dr. Najma Najam

Degree: M.Sc

Year:(2006-2008)

University: Institute of Applied Psychology, Punjab University, Lahore, Pakistan

Abstract

The present study was carried out to investigate the relationship between physical fitness and body shape satisfaction and also gender differences in physical fitness, body shape satisfaction and body figure preferences. It was hypothesized that females are more conscious of physical fitness and body shape and they exhibit greater difference in current and ideal body shape as compared to males. It was further hypothesized that younger adults are more conscious of physical fitness and body shape as compared to older. The sample consisted of 80 subjects (N=80) of age range 14-62 years, including 40 males and 40 females from different slimming centers, from different departments of Punjab University and from different areas of Lahore. In order to collect the data, purposive sampling technique was used. The data was collected through a booklet of questionnaires including Eating Attitude Teat (EAT), Body Shape Questionnaire (BSQ) and Body Figure Preferences Test. Pearson product moment correlation, Independent sample t-test, Wilcoxon signed ranks test and Cross tabulation were used for analysis. The findings revealed significant relationship between physical fitness and body shape concern and no significant gender differences were found in physical fitness and body shape satisfaction. The results also showed that females as compared to males exhibit significant difference between their current and ideal body shape. Moreover, younger adults are more conscious of physical fitness and body shape as compared to olders.

Keywords: Gender Differences, Physical Fitness, Body Shape Satisfaction ,Body Figure Preferences

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Corresponding Address: Department of Applied Psychology, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan. Email: chairperson@appsy.pu.edu.pk, Phone: 92-42-9231245

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