Attitudes Toward Gender Roles, Self-esteem, and Body Image: Application of a Model

Abstract

The Rudd and Lennon (1994) model of body aesthetics is used in this research to guide research investigating relationships among body image, attitudes toward gender roles, and self-esteem. Questionnaires were completed by 202 Korean college women, 52 Singaporean college women, 171 African-American college women, and 109 Caucasian-American college women. Significant differences were found among the groups on gender ideology, self-esteem, and the body image variables. African-American college women had the highest self-esteem and appearance evaluation scores. More importantly, however, across all groups high self-esteem was associated with positive body images and non-traditional attitudes toward gender roles. Additionally, social group membership and individualism were related to body image. Results are explained within the context of the Rudd and Lennon (1994) model of body aesthetics and suggestions are offered for future research within that context.