Gender differences in media influence, weight dissatisfaction, body dissatisfaction and disordered eating

The aim of the study was to explore gender differences in weight dissatisfaction, body dissatisfaction, media influence, use of dieting and excessive exercise, and disordered eating among a sample of 405 adolescents and young adults (277 girls and 128 boys) aged between 15 and 26. Girls were more likely to want to lose weight, whereas boys were more likely to want to gain weight and use excessive exercise. Gender differences have been found in body dissatisfaction and media influence, and among participants with disordered eating too. The findings brought out the gender-specific patterns of media influence, body image disturbances and disordered eating. (c) 2013 Societe francaise de psychologie. Published by Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.