Body satisfaction in college women after brief exposure to magazine images.
Female undergraduates were divided into groups based on their rated body dissatisfaction (n = 45 operationally defined as Satisfied, n = 45 as Dissatisfied). These groups were then randomly assigned to one of three magazine categories: fashion, fitness-and-health, and news. Measures of Body Satisfaction, Depression, Anxiety, Self-esteem, Fear of Fat. Eating Attitudes, and Control of Weight were taken. Significant group main effects were found on Depression, Trait Anxiety, Eating Attitudes, Fear of Fat, and Self-esteem. A significant main effect for media was found for scores on Body Satisfaction, with the fitness-and-health Dissatisfied group reporting decreased body satisfaction following magazine exposure. No interactions were found. It appears women who are dissatisfied with their bodies may be at risk for a further decrease in body satisfaction after even a 15-min. exposure to fitness and health magazines but further follow-up measures were not made.
Cameron
Elizabeth M
EM
University of North Dakota, Grand Forks 58202, USA.
Ferraro
F Richard
FR
D000328:Adult; D001828:Body Image; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008402:Mass Media; D010549:Personal Satisfaction; D010775:Photic Stimulation; D011643:Publishing; D013001:Somatoform Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology*; D013334:Students / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*