Boys and girls prefer hyper-muscular male action figures over normally-muscular action figures: Evidence that children have internalized the muscular male body ideal

Abstract

We sought evidence of internalization of the muscular ideal body among boys and girls by comparing their preferences for hyper-muscular action figures versus their normally-muscular counterparts. Children observed pairings of action figures and reported their preference. Most boys and girls significantly preferred the hyper-muscular figures, and were more likely to provide a physical reason for their preference (e.g., more muscular) than children who preferred the normally-muscular figures. Sex did not affect rates of preference for preferring the hyper-muscular figures, suggesting physical reasons were the main reason why both boys and girls preferred the hyper-muscular figures. Figure preference differed significantly as a function of sex; boys were significantly more likely to report a preference for the hyper-muscular figures (90.3%) than girls (80.7%), ?2(1, N = 347) = 6.53, p = .011. The results tentatively point to internalization of the muscular ideal body among both boys and girls. Clinicians might consider exploring and dismantling internalization-related beliefs among child clients.