Fashion & Textile Research Journal (한국의류산업학회지)

The Society of Fashion and Textile Industry (한국의류산업학회)
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Body Image and Body Satisfaction Among Korean College Women

  • Lee, Seung-Hee (Dept. of Clothing & Textiles, Sookmyung Women's University)
  • Received : 2008.05.03
  • Accepted : 2008.06.11
  • Published : 2008.06.30
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Abstract

This study examined Korean college women's perceptions of their body image, ideal body, and body satisfaction. Five research questions assessed participants: 1) self-defined image, 2) ideal body image, 3) body dissatisfaction, 4) body satisfaction, and 5) perceptions of their friends' weight concerns. A convenience sample of 101 female college students participated in the study. Respondents' average age is 20.78, ranging from 18 to 36 years. Two approaches were used to define Korean college women's body image and body satisfaction: A scale of illustration showing nine females' body drawing, and a verbal scale for the satisfaction with body image. The findings revealed that Korean college women pursue "thinness." Although they were somewhat happy with their height, the development of their figure, and their overall good looks, they were significantly dissatisfied with their weight. These results indicate that Korean college women would benefit from positive body image education.

Keywords

References

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