Body image changes during early adulthood.

Results from recent studies on body image have revealed differences between college-age individuals and older samples. In this study, adults 17 to 40 years old were evaluated for their body dissatisfaction on the Figure Rating Scale. Females had higher levels of body dissatisfaction than males and these differences did not diminish with age. However, consistent with physical changes in adulthood, current and ideal ratings became more discrepant with age. Interestingly, for women, affective and cognitive dimensions of body dissatisfaction became more consistent. Research on early adulthood personality development is used to help explain these results.