PREDICTORS OF BODY IMAGE DISSATISFACTION IN ADULT MEN AND WOMEN

Disordered eating and body image have been widely studied in college students and children. However, few studies have examined body image dissatisfaction in adulthood. Therefore, this study sought to determine the prevalence of body image dissatisfaction in adult men and women. One hundred and thirty-nine adults were surveyed on body dissatisfaction and possible relating factors. It was found that media influence predicted body dissatisfaction in women and that age, family pressure and self-esteem predicted body image dissatisfaction in both men and women. Because adults' views about their bodies can have an impact on those of their children, it is important that researchers continue to examine body image dissatisfaction and comparable issues within adult populations.