Abstract

This study conducted a content analysis of 130 characters from 24 recent popular
animated children’s films and examined the associations between physical appearance,
personality, and social attributes by gender. We found that physical attractiveness was
associated with having more friends and receiving more affection among male characters,
and negatively associated with weight status among females. Also, wearing close-fitting
clothes was associated with attractiveness among females and with popularity,
musculature, and strength among males. However, being muscular, stronger, and taller
was associated with less intelligence among males. Regarding gender-stereotyped body
ideals, female characters were portrayed as slimmer and attractive more frequently than
males, who tended to be larger, muscular, and stronger. Results suggest that mainstream
media’s narrow and stereotypically gendered appearance standards are prevalent in
content aimed at children and highlight the need for continuing research examining their
impact on children’s body image and gender development.