Physical attractiveness, body image, and women's sexual self-schema

Author(s): Hurst, S. R.

Journal/Book: Psychol Women Quart. 1997; 21: 40 West 20TH Street, New York, NY 10011-4211. Cambridge Univ Press. 567-580.

Abstract: Recently, Andersen and Cyranowski (1994) presented a self-report measure of women's sexual self-schema, or cognitive view of the self regarding sexuality. In the current study, we investigated potential relationships between women's sexual self-schema and physical attractiveness, body size and shape, and body image. Young adult women (N=199) completed questionnaires and were weighed, measured, and rated for facial attractiveness. Results revealed that sexual self-schema was unrelated to body size or shape, general body dissatisfaction, history of teasing about weight, and degree of investment in personal appearance. Sexual self-schema scores significantly correlated with experimenter-rated facial attractiveness, self-rated facial and bodily attractiveness, and degree of social avoidance due to concerns over personal appearance, however. In a multiple regression analysis, only self-rated facial attractiveness and social avoidance were unique predictors. Results are discussed with regard to implications for the development of women's sexual self-schema and directions for future research.

Note: Article Wiederman MW, Ball State Univ, Dept Psychol Sci, Muncie,IN 47306 USA

Keyword(s): TO-HIP RATIO; GENDER DIFFERENCES; EATING DISORDERS; COLLEGE-STUDENTS; TEASING SCALE; WEIGHT; APPEARANCE; DISSATISFACTION; VALIDATION; ATTITUDES

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