Event Title
Is What You See What You Get? An Exploration of Body Composition and Body Perception in College Students
Presentation Type
Poster/Portfolio
Presenter Major(s)
Business, General, Mathematics, Writing
Mentor Information
Bradley Ambrose, ambroseb@gvsu.edu; James Scott, scottj@gvsu.edu
Department
Physics, Movement Science
Location
Henry Hall Atrium 65
Start Date
13-4-2011 12:00 PM
End Date
13-4-2011 1:00 PM
Keywords
Gender, Health and Wellness, Life Science, Physical Science
Abstract
Studies have found that while women tended to have more concerns than men about their own body perceptions, both strived for a better body image. Through analysis of subjects' body measurements and body perceptions, using specific anthropometric scales, others have concluded that females desired to be thinner while males hoped for a more muscular physique. A survey was administered to college-aged students to reveal the subjects' gender, exercise frequency, and perceived body image. Next, body somatotype was measured utilizing the Heath-Carter index. The scale used to assess body image was quantified so that it was comparable to the Heath-Carter index results. The results of the Heath-Carter index were compared to the subjects' body perception, via statistical analysis, in order to determine the difference between perceived body image and actual body type. Further difference testing was used to explore a connection between body perception and exercise.
Is What You See What You Get? An Exploration of Body Composition and Body Perception in College Students
Henry Hall Atrium 65
Studies have found that while women tended to have more concerns than men about their own body perceptions, both strived for a better body image. Through analysis of subjects' body measurements and body perceptions, using specific anthropometric scales, others have concluded that females desired to be thinner while males hoped for a more muscular physique. A survey was administered to college-aged students to reveal the subjects' gender, exercise frequency, and perceived body image. Next, body somatotype was measured utilizing the Heath-Carter index. The scale used to assess body image was quantified so that it was comparable to the Heath-Carter index results. The results of the Heath-Carter index were compared to the subjects' body perception, via statistical analysis, in order to determine the difference between perceived body image and actual body type. Further difference testing was used to explore a connection between body perception and exercise.