Article Title: Gender Differences in Physical Fitness, Body Shape Satisfaction, and Body Figure Preferences
Author(s): Najma Najam and Hanzala Ashfaq
Institute(s): Department of Applied Psychology, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan,
Journal: Pakistan Journal of Psychological Research, 2012, Vol. 27, No.2, 187-200
Correspondence Address: Najma Najam, Karakoram International University, Gilgit Baltistan, Pakistan. E-mail: najamnajma@yahoo.com
Abstract
The present study aimed to determine the relationship between physical fitness and body shape satisfaction; gender and age differences in physical fitness, body shape satisfaction, and body figure preferences. Participants (35 men and 34 women with age range 18-32 years) were taken from fitness centers and jogging tracks of Lahore city. It was expected that gender related differences in physical fitness, body shape satisfaction, and body figure preferences would appear, with women exhibiting greater concerns as compared to men. Data was collected using the protocols: Eating Attitudes Test (Garner & Garfinkel, 1979), Body Shape Questionnaire (Cooper, Taylor, Cooper, & Fairburn, 1987), Body Figure Preferences Test (Stunkard & Schulsinger, 1983), and Physical Activities Test (Ashfaq, 2008). Pearson Product Moment correlations, independent sample t-test, chi squares, and cross tabulation were conducted for data analyses. Findings revealed significant positive relationship between physical fitness and body shape concern. Gender differences were found only on body shape as women exhibited greater dissatisfaction and higher difference on current and ideal body shape as compared to men, however, no gender differences in physical fitness and body shape satisfaction were found.
Keywords: physical fitness, body shape satisfaction, body figure preferences
