Skunk, unrealistic, too thin. These qualifiers are used for the measurements of mannequins displayed in store windows. The University of Liverpool in the United Kingdom points to the unrealistic dimensions of the plastic models used to attract the barge. Dr. Eric Robinson, lead author of the study, based himself on the morphology of models displayed in clothing stores in two cities in the United Kingdom. Its conclusion should reassure all women complexed : if the window mannequins were human, their bodies would be considered too thin and medically unhealthy, writes the researcher in the journal The Journal of Eating Disorders.
Strange idea to pay attention to the inanimate bodies of the stores will say some. The Briton explains that he had the idea to take an interest in it when he was passing in front of a store. The dimensions of the mannequins had challenged him.
During his inspections in the various stores, he found no mannequin corresponding to the dimensions of a “normal” body. Do fashionistas addicted to window shopping have anything to worry about? “There is clear evidence that the ideal of ultra-thinness contributes to the development of mental health problems and eating disorders“, warns Dr. Eric Robinson, author of the study, interviewed by the bbc.
Overly muscular male models
What about male models? These are not quite in the same boat. Less than one in ten of the inanimate models were considered “underweight”. While the male copies have a build closer to reality, their bodybuilding was exaggerated. An excess of muscle that could generate some dissatisfaction in some men “In the same way that exposure to ultra-thin ideals can negatively affect body image in women, displaying unattainable muscular ideals can promote male dissatisfaction,” concludes Dr. Robinson. ‘study.
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