Editing Body image (section)

=== Gender differences ===
Although body dissatisfaction is more common in women, men are becoming increasingly negatively affected.<ref>{{cite journal | title = Body image perceptions: Do gender differences exist? | journal = Psi Chi Journal of Undergraduate Research | year = 2010 | first1 = Maggie A. | last1 = Brennan |first2=Christopher E.|last2=Lalonde|first3=Jody L. |last3=Bain | volume = 15 | issue = 3 | pages = 130–8| type =  PDF|url=http://web.uvic.ca/psyc/lalonde/manuscripts/2010-Body%20Image.pdf | doi = 10.24839/1089-4136.JN15.3.130 }}</ref> In a [[longitudinal study]] that assessed body image across time and age between men and women, men placed greater significance on their physical appearances than women, even though women reported body image dissatisfaction more often. The difference was strongest among adolescents. One theory to explain the discrepancy is that women have already become accustomed and desensitized to media scrutiny.<ref name="PsycInfo 2010-24583-007">{{cite journal|last1=Mellor|first1=David|first2=Matthew|last2=Fuller-Tyszkiewicz|first3=Marita P.|last3=McCabe|first4=Lina A.|last4=Ricciardelli|date=July 15, 2010|title=Body image and self-esteem across age and gender: A short-term longitudinal study|journal=Sex Roles|type=PDF|volume=63|issue=9–10|pages=672–81|doi=10.1007/s11199-010-9813-3|s2cid=145386623}}<!--| access-date = 2012-06-26 --></ref>

Studies suggest that the significance placed upon body image improved among women as they got older; men in comparison showed little variation in their attitude.<ref name='PsycInfo 2011-30272-014'>{{cite journal | title = Gender and racial/ethnic differences in body image development among college students | journal = Body Image | date = January 2012 | first1 = Meghan M. | last1 = Gillen |first2=Eva S. |last2=Lefkowitz | volume = 9 | issue = 1 | pages = 126–30| type =  PDF | pmid=21983339 | doi=10.1016/j.bodyim.2011.09.004 | pmc=3246027}}</ref><ref name="PsycInfo 2009-11492-005">{{cite journal|last1=Baker|first1=Lucie|first2=Eyal|last2=Gringart|s2cid=55939513|date=August 2009|title=Body image and self-esteem in older adulthood|journal=Ageing & Society|type=PDF|volume=29|issue=6|pages=977–95|doi=10.1017/S0144686X09008721}}<!--| access-date = 2012-06-27 --></ref> Another suggested that "relative to men, women are considerably more psychologically aware of their appearances. Moreover, women's greater concern over body image has a greater impact on their daily lives."<ref name="Cash, T. F. 1997">{{cite journal | last1 = Cash | first1 = T. F. | last2 = Ancis | first2 = J. R. | year = 1997 | title = Gender attitudes, feminist identity, and body image among college women | journal = Sex Roles | volume = 36 | issue = 7/8| pages = 433–447 | doi=10.1007/bf02766682| s2cid = 144876192 }}</ref>

As men and women reach older age, body image takes on a different meaning. Research studies show that the importance attached to physical appearance decreases with age.<ref name="PsycInfo 2011-30272-014"/><ref name="Esnaola 21–9">{{cite journal | title = Body dissatisfaction and perceived sociocultural pressures | journal = Salud Mental | date = February 21, 2010 | first1 = Igor | last1 = Esnaola |first2=Arantzazu|last2=Rodríguez|first3=Alfredo |last3=Goñi | volume = 33 | issue = 1 | pages = 21–9| type =  PDF | access-date = June 26, 2012 |url=http://www.scielo.org.mx/pdf/sm/v33n1/v33n1a3.pdf}}</ref>