PurposeThis paper explores the relationships between body type and fit preferences with body cathexis, clothing benefits sought by consumers, and demographic profiles of consumers.Design/methodology/approachThe survey instrument consisted of a questionnaire with scales assessing fit preference, body type, body cathexis, clothing benefits sought and consumer demographics.FindingsSignificant associations were found between body cathexis (satisfaction with head/upper body, lower body, height, weight and torso) and body shape. The degree of satisfaction with different body parts depended on the body type of the individual. The level of satisfaction with head/upper body, height and torso did not vary by body type. No significant differences were found between fit preferences and body type for lower body garments.Research limitations/implicationsThe majority of respondents were between the ages 18 and 28, affluent Caucasian Americans, with an hourglass body type, who had a family income of $85,000 or more and shopped in department or boutique/specialty stores.Originality/valueUnderstanding the fit preferences of female consumers could help apparel companies to produce and meet demands for comfortable and well fitting clothes for women. The results of this research may be used as a first step to develop an expert system to correlate body shape and fit preferences of consumers.

The purpose of this research was to use experts' knowledge to develop a set of scales to assess female body shapes as visualized in body scans, resulting in an instrument that could be applied through software to the analysis of body scan data. Using 42 body scans representing women aged 20-55 years of age, through a series of steps, researchers developed nine scalesfor body shape assessmentfrom front and side views. Three (Body Build, Body Shape, and Posture) were for whole body analysis, and six (Front Torso Shape, Hip Shape, Shoulder Slope, Bust Shape, Buttocks Shape, Back Curvature) were for analysis of component body parts. For validation, five experts used the Body Shape Assessment Scale (BSAS©) to rate 100 additional body scans. These ratings were used to program software to classify female body scan data using the BSAS©.

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The purpose of the study was to identify demographic variables associated with women's body mass index (BMI) and body size perceptions and to determine if BMI affects body size perception. SizeUSA data (n = 6,811) were used for the data analysis. A multinomial regression between demographic variables, BMI, and body size perception showed that each demographic variable was a significant predictor of a women's BMI and body size perception. Results can be used to understand the BMI and body size perceptions of female consumers. Retailers can use the results to customize merchandise assortments for each store based on their target market's demographics.

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Purpose This paper aims to explore the link between dangerous driving and other criminal behaviour. Design/methodology/approach Arksey and O’Malley’s (2005) five-step process for scoping reviews to identify, summarise and classify identified literature was used. Within the 30-year timeframe (1990–2019), 12 studies met the inclusion criteria. Findings This review indicates that individuals who commit certain driving offences are more likely to also have a general criminal history. In particular, driving under the influence, driving unlicensed and high-range speeding offences were associated with other forms of criminal behaviour. Seven of the studies mentioned common criminological theories; however, they were not integrated well in the analysis. No studies used explanatory psychosocial theories that investigate social and contextual factors. Research limitations/implications Future research in this area would benefit from exploring individual and social influences that contribute to criminal behaviour in both contexts. Practical implications There is the potential to develop an information-led policing approach to improve safety on the roads and reduce wider offending behaviour. However, it is critical that road policing officers continue to focus on ensuring the road system is as safe as possible for users. Originality/value Criminal behaviour on the roads is often seen as a separate from other types of offending. This paper explores if, and how, these two types of offending are linked.

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