Regional Variations in the Influence of Sociocultural Factors on the Somatic Features of Modern Youth

Abstract

The objective of this study was to examine the regional variations in the influence of sociocultural factors, such as fashion and physical beauty, on the somatic features of modern youth. We conducted an analysis of anthropometric data and results of psychological tests from a sample of 836 young men and women aged 17 to 25 from three cities: Moscow (n = 410), Barnaul (n = 189), and Tiraspol (n = 237). Our findings indicate significant regional differences in the distribution of body composition indicators. In the examined samples, young men predominantly internalize athletic ideal of attractiveness, while young women tend to favor a leptosomic ideal. The formation of perceptions about bodily aesthetics is most significantly influenced by social media exposure in the group of young women from Moscow, while family members play a crucial role in all other groups. We identified statistically significant correlations between appearance self-esteem and body composition parameters, elucidating potential pathways through which standards of attractiveness may impact somatic indicators via psycho-emotional processes. We developed original schematic models that illustrate both general trends and regional specificities concerning the influence of sociocultural factors on the physiques of young men and women.