An appraisal of body image among Nigerian university students.

This study was designed to provide baseline data on the attitudes of Nigerian university students toward their own bodies. 286 students completed the 25-item version of the Body Cathexis Scale of Berscheid, et al. These students were more satisfied than they were dissatisfied with their body parts. The body weight and general muscle development were aspects with which they were most dissatisfied. Compared to men, women were significantly more satisfied with their ears, body weight, general muscle development, chest/breast, size of sex organs, and appearance of sex organs. These baseline data may help screen Nigerian university students with negative body ideation.