‘Slim-thick’ is an idealized hourglass figure fuller than the traditional
thin-ideal (Appleford, 2016). Broader beauty standards may improve female
body image. Conversely, self-discrepancy theory posits if ideals differ
from the self, dissatisfaction can occur (Higgins, 1987). The current study
examined how different quantities (1, 3, or 7) of body types presented as
ideal affected body image satisfaction. 90 female participants reviewed a
pamphlet containing software-generated (MPI, 2011) graphics of ideal body
types. To facilitate acceptance as desirable standards, fabricated research
was included as support. Participants traced the ideal body type(s) before
completing the Body-Image Ideals Questionnaire (BIQ; Cash & Szymanski,
1995). A one-way ANOVA (α = .05) showed no significant difference (p =
.305) in BIQ scores among body quantity conditions. Inconsistent with
either proposed explanation, diversifying ideal body types from the
thin-ideal does not facilitate body image in emerging adult females. An
alternative process may be operating. Replication of the current study with
younger female participants who have not yet internalized the thin-ideal is
recommended.