Change in sociocultural ideal male physique: An examination of past and present action figures.

The physical dimensions of five contemporary action figures were measured and compared to their original counterparts to determine whether their physiques have become more muscular from their original designs. The circumferences of the neck, chest, arm, forearm, waist, thigh, and calf were measured three separate times using a Scale Master II model 6325. The mean score was then used in subsequent analyses. Except for the waist, it was determined that the body parts of current action figures were significantly larger when compared to those of their original counterparts. The results of this study indicate that action figures have become more muscular and larger over the last 25 years. Furthermore, the increase in action figure dimensions may contribute to the multifactoral development of an idealized body type that focuses on a lean, muscular physique. This occurrence may particularly influence the perceptions of preadolescent males.