Body image assessed by a video distortion technique: the relationship between ideal and perceived body image and body dissatisfaction

Current sociocultural beliefs define feminine beauty as being tall and slender. The relationship between Perceived Body Image, Ideal Body Image and Body Dissatisfaction were assessed by the Distorting Television Image Method (DTIM) in a sample of 78 female subjects ranging in age from 15 to 65 years. Of the sample 88.46 per cent desired a taller and thinner body than their own undistorted image as seen on the television screen. These subjects with an Ideal Body taller and thinner than their own, also had a Perceived Body Image which was taller and thinner than it actually was, yet they were the most dissatisfied with their body dimensions. The subjects with an Ideal Body Image very different from the current sociocultural standards showed the lowest level of Body Dissatisfaction. Copyright © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association.