The ‘ideal’ dancer: An investigation into predictors of body image dissatisfaction among male dancers, female dancers and their non-dancing counterparts

by Jessica E. Boyes, Katri K. Cornelissen

Body image dissatisfaction is consistently highlighted as a precursor for eating disorders, arising from several factors. One factor surrounds social expectations of being thin, which can be emphasised in certain physical activities, like dance. Whilst research is available for body image dissatisfaction among female dancers, literature has neglected the male demographic. The present study investigated seven predictors of body image dissatisfaction within male and female dancers, from a variety of genres. The study employed a non-experimental quantitative method, utilising an independent groups correlational design. The role of clothing practices, body ideal internalisation and sociocultural influences were investigated as predictors for body image dissatisfaction. Data from 180 participants (mean age = 23.7, SD = 7.51) was analysed from an online survey. Hierarchical multiple regression revealed that the model consisting of all predictors significantly accounted for over 60% of variance in body image dissatisfaction scores within all independent groups. The individual contribution of predictors differed between groups, with clothing practice being the only significant predictor in all four groups. Media pressure was a significant predictor within non-dancer groups only. This research highlights the importance of clothing practices, specifically tight-fitting garments within the dance environment and general population. Future research should investigate potential differences in the predictors between each level of dance.