However, separate research is being done on the different ways each of the sexes handle body image. Most research has been conducted surrounding female body image, so male body image research, while becoming more popular, still lacks the depth and breadth of its counterpart. So far, research has shown that male and female body images share many of the same features. Brennan, Lalonde, and Bain conducted a comparative study of how male and female body image dissatisfaction is experienced in each of the sexes in which participants rated body image reactions to a series of statements.
Male body image also tends to be more misunderstood than female body image. On the other hand, the presumed concern for females is not as off the mark: weight. This clarifies why female body image is so prevalent whereas male body image is rarely recognized. These differences of how the sexes relate to negative body image are important when it comes to recognizing it in males. It is critical we turn attention to male body image as much as we validate and seek to make it positive for women.
For more information about how men develop unhealthy body image, check out Boys and Body Image to learn about the damaging outcomes of negative body image on males. We need to pay more attention to male body image and the struggles men may face when coming to terms with their imperfect bodies.
However, unhealthy male body image extends beyond the average college man. We need to encourage men to be more open with their views on body image and give more attention to promoting healthy, realistic male body image as much as we do for females.
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