Written research report of a correlational study, including a literature review and statistical analysis of quantitative data.

Effects of Masculinity and Dieting on SELF-ESTEEM

Abstract

This provides a review of research related to the effects of Masculinity and Dieting on Self-esteem . The study reviewed research related to masculinity attained through exercise and dieting as determinant in gaining self -esteem . I hypothesize that masculinity will be predictive of self-esteem such that people who are more masculine will display higher levels of self-esteem , and that levels of dieting beliefs will be predictive of self-esteem as that people who have no confident on dieting successfully will have lower self-esteem Overall

, the research indicates that masculinity and dieting greatly affects one 's self-esteem . The research also indicates that unsuccessful dieting can lead to lower perceptions about the self and thus lowering the self-esteem . Furthermore there is a correlation of the two variables with respect to their effects on self-esteem INTRODUCTION

Masculinity and Dieting

According to the National Institutes of Health , approximately one-third of all American adults are overweight . And at any given time , between 20 - 40 percent of adults are trying to lose weight

To quote some womens thoughts "When I am dieting I usually feel wonderful , sexy , alive , and full of hope "I despise myself for not being able to say no to sweets , for not sticking with an exercise regimen "Society equates FAT with LAZY /GLUTTONOUS /BAD /LACK OF WILLPOWER /LACK OF MORAL FIBER /LACK OF CHARACTER

If the words of this woman represent the feelings of many dieters , then it seems that self-esteem suffers when a woman assumes that a diet failed because she is a "failure " More and more , the argument is being made that diets fail not because of excess emotionality or lack of self-control , but rather because of a combination of normal physiological and psychological reactions to caloric deprivation Attributing the failure of diets to these factors seemed to preserve respondents self-esteem

Therefore it would seem that women who have an investment in dieting would claim to feel a greater sense of self-control than women who had "given up

Masculinity on the other hand affects self-esteem Exercise is very important in developing physical masculinity which in turn it develops a sense of one 's self and one 's status (Sugarmann , 1998 . The purpose of this is to investigate the affects of masculinity and dieting on self-esteem with people on all walks of life . The reason for investigating the effect of masculinity and dieting is to help anybody to have a better understanding of one 's goal in life and that is to develop a good self-esteem and that through this research , I would like to learn more about the relationship between the effect of masculinity and dieting on self esteem with the end product that can benefit everyone . My prediction is that people who are more masculine will display higher levels of self-esteem , and that levels of dieting beliefs will be predictive of self-esteem as that people who have no confident on dieting successfully will have lower self-esteem

Some key words that...