Misperceptions of opposite-sex preferences for thinness and muscularity.
Level 4 - case-series / case-control
Cross-sectional observational perception study
PubMed 32449533 · doi:10.1111/bjop.12451
What was done
University-aged (18–31 years) White European heterosexual men and women used interactive 3D human models varying in body mass index (BMI) and body composition. Participants selected their own body shape, their personal ideal body shape, their ideal partner shape for short- and long-term relationships, and what they believed the opposite sex preferred for short- and long-term partners.
What was found
No numerical data, effect sizes, or confidence intervals are reported in the abstract. Directionally, women overestimated the thinness men prefer in a partner, and men overestimated the heaviness and muscularity women prefer in a partner. These misperceptions were more pronounced for short-term relationship contexts than for long-term relationships.
Why it matters
The study shows systematic discrepancies between actual opposite-sex preferences and assumed preferences, highlighting cognitive distortions that could be targeted in body image and eating disorder interventions.
Limits
The abstract does not disclose the sample size, statistical test values, or effect sizes. The sample was restricted to young White European heterosexual university students, limiting generalizability. The use of digital 3D model selections may not fully reflect real-world partner choices.