Asian J Beauty Cosmetol. 2014; 12(3): 417-424.
Appearance Satisfaction and Hair and Skin Care Interest according to BMI in the Male University Students
ABSTRACT
BMI (Body Mass Index) has been associated with body image dissatisfaction in males. In men, body satisfaction is related with psychological adjustment, self-esteem, depression, and interpersonal confidence, especially in the modern society. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the impact of subjective self-ideal discrepancy of body shape on body image and hair and skin care behavior in Korean male university students. Korean male university students (n=112, aged 20-28 years) completed questionnaires regarding body image satisfaction, smoking and drinking behavior, hair and skin care behaviors, and subjective self-ideal body shape. The body image satisfaction was measured with BCS (Body Cathexis Scale). Statistical analyses were performed using PASW Statistics, version 18 (SPSS Inc.). The returned 112 questionnaires were visually examined to ensure that most of the questions had been completed. Incomplete questionnaires were excluded for evaluation, 84 questionnaires in total were analyzed. In terms of BMI, 3 subjects (3.6%) were underweight, 56 (66.7%) were normal, 15 (17.9%) were overweight, and 10 (11.9%) were obese. Subjects checked their subjective self-ideal body shape from body shape images, the subjective actual body shape images were number 1-2 (13, 15.5%), number 3-4 (37,44.0%), number 5-6 (25,29.7%), or number 7-9 (9,10.8%) and ideal body shape images were number 2 (5,6.0%), number 3-4 (58,69.0%), or number 5-6 (21,25.0%). Underweight males (mean=158.67) were more satisfied with their body image than obese males (mean=135.60). The discrepancy of body shape between subjective self-ideal body shape images and BCS showed a significant difference (p=.013). When actual body shape is far off from ideal body image, subjects are more dissatisfied with their body image. Skin care interest according to BMI showed significant differences (p=.047), indicating the underweight subjects are more interested in skin care than obese males. In cosmetic use, 100% of underweight males used cleansing products whereas 53% of overweight and 40% of obese males used cleansing products (p=.023). We found significant results confirming association among subjective self-ideal discrepancy of body shape and body satisfaction in male university students. Underweight males were more interested in hair and skin care, and used more cosmetics than obese males.
Keywords :
Body image satisfaction, BMI, Skin care, Hair care, Cosmetic use, Metrosexual
