Effects of Body-Cathexis and Importance of Ideal Body Image on Satisfaction with Ready-to-Wear (Part One)

The purpose of the present research is to determine, for a sample of female college students, the effects of body-cathexis and importance of ideal body image on satisfaction with ready-to-wear. The sample included 177 female college students aged from 18 to 25. To measure the variables, an instrument was developed based on previous studies. Body-cathexis and importance of meeting the ideal body image were measured for five areas of body parts; head/upper body, lower body, height, weight, and torso. Satisfaction with ready-to-wear includes satisfaction with the fit at pant length, thighs, hips, waist, bust, and neckline, and with the variety in ready-to-wear. Research hypotheses were tested using multiple regression. The results showed that there was a positive impact of body-cathexis for a specific body area on ready-to-wear satisfaction which is related to the body area. The effect of importance of meeting the ideal body image on ready-to-wear clothing was different in regard to different areas of body parts.