Tevreden met het uiterlijk, maar de perfectie lokt

Previous body image research has mainly focused on adolescent girls and female college students. However, few studies have examined body image in adulthood. This study sought to determine body image in adult men and women. Therefore, we examined multiple dimensions of body image. A sample of 36874 Dutch men and women ranging in age from 18 to 89 years completed a questionnaire assessing body image evaluation, body image perception, body importance, wish for cosmetic alteration and dieting behavior. With regard to the multiple dimensions of body image, we found that perceived discrepancy between actual body size and ideal body size and high body importance were common, especially among women. Positive body evaluation was also common, particularly among men. Furthermore, we found that the majority of adults had a wish for cosmetic alteration and almost half of them reported current dieting behavior. It was concluded that the men and women in this sample are in general satisfied with their appearance, but they keep on aspiring to their ideal body.