Gender Differences in Body Image Perception Across Age Groups

This data was used for a cross-sectional study which investigated impact of body image (BI) on daily life of participants 14 years and older (n = 1000) in a midwestern region of the United States using the Body Image Survey (BIS). Females displayed significantly higher daily life BI impact when compared to males (M: 5.20 vs 4.46, p < 0.001) and cared about different aspects of BI, as reflected in areas such as physical appearance characteristics, social media platforms used, and exercise habits. Participants ages 14-18 had the highest daily life BI impact. However, participants ages 19-25 had the most negative daily life BI impact from social media (p = 0.01). We conclude that while both males and females care about BI, females care significantly more and in different ways. Results also show that younger individuals have higher daily life BI impact, social media in general negatively impacts BI, and exercise and accessory use positively impacts BI.