Induction of Body Image Boundary Changes in Male Subjects

Summary

An attempt was made to induce body boundary changes in màles. Holtzman blots were administered on a test-retest basis to three groups: 16 directing attention to their skin and muscles; 15 focusing upon the body interior; and 15 not focusing upon the body. Changes in Barrier score in all three groups were in the directions predicted from previous study of females. Males who concentrated upon exterior body areas did not show the same significant increase in Barrier score seen in females. But males who concentrated upon their body interiors displayed a significant decrease in Barrier not observed among females. Results reaffirm the possibility of manipulating body attitudes via body attention exercises.