Generalization of body size distortion

Abstract

Thirty‐four asymptomatic, normal weight college females were assessed for levels of body size overestimation for self‐relevant body areas and corresponding sites on a normal‐sized department store mannequin. An adjustable light beam procedure was used for all measures. Minimal differences between black and white subjects eventuated. A consistent pattern emerged indicating greater overestimation for self than mannequin; however, this was not true for all body sites assessed. A greater number of significant correlations among self‐estimates and mannequin scores were found than significant relationships between self and mannequin distortion quotients. The results are discussed with regard to the generalizability of body size overestimation.