Body Image Distortion and Appearance Management Behaviors in Women and Their Policy Implications

Abstract

In this paper, we analyze the differences between male and female body image distortion and appearance management behaviors. Women have a lower obesity rate than men, but the distortion rate of their physical images are relatively high. In particular, women in their teens and 20s have a very high rate of body image distortion, and among women with excessive distortion, the proportions of unhealthy behaviors and cosmetic surgery to manage their appearance management are the highest. It is confirmed that such body image distortion and unhealthy appearance management behaviors are attributed to the pressure and standards on the appearance of women in our society. The results of this analysis suggest that the government should strengthen policies in various fields to raise positive perception of women's appearance and eradicate discrimination against women's appearance that deviates from social standards.