Predicting Males' Self-concept of Attractivness and its Relation to Risk Behaviors and Psychological Adjustment in High School

Abstract

The role of body image in relation to self-concept and behavioral issues is well documented in research on specialized female populations. These studies have generally focused on self-concept, behavioral, health and mental health outcomes for the participants. The present study sought to extend the existing research scope to include male populations. The link between self-concept and physical appearance was explored, as was the relationship between self-concept and behavioral and mental health outcomes. Data for the current study was obtained by using a sample of male participants from the Michigan Study of Adolescent Life Transitions (MSALT). Two waves of data from the participants' sophomore and senior year were analyzed for 666 students. Participants in the current study answered varied questions about body image including questions about their height, weight, sense of masculine appearance, value of appearing masculine to others, psychological adjustment and behaviors in which they engaged. Results from MANOVA and repeated measure ANOVA's indicate that there is a link between subjective and objective measures of masculine appearance and self-concept of attractiveness. Further analyses indicate that self-concept of attractiveness is related to psychological adjustment including self-esteem, social isolation, and depressed mood. Finally, while several significant relationships were found between self-concept of attractiveness and levels of behavioral problems in the sample, the current study did not utilize experimental design, and therefore could not test causal links between variables. Strengths of the current study in terms of design and sample are discussed. Future directions for research in this area are suggested including item design and sample selection.