Effects of a reality TV cosmetic surgery makeover program on eating disordered attitudes and behaviors.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the effects of a reality TV cosmetic surgery program on eating disordered attitudes, behaviors, mood, anxiety, and self-esteem.


METHODS
Participants (N=147 women) completed baseline surveys and were subsequently randomly assigned to one of two conditions: one in which they watched a reality TV cosmetic surgery program (The Swan) and one in which they watched a reality TV home improvement program (Clean Sweep). Assessments were conducted immediately post-video and two weeks later.


RESULTS
Women in the cosmetic surgery program group who reported higher internalization of the thin-ideal at baseline manifested lower self-esteem at posttesting. Among White women, those who watched the cosmetic surgery program reported greater perceptions of media pressures to be thin and stronger endorsement of their ability to control their body's appearance after watching the video. These differences persisted over a two-week follow-up period.


CONCLUSIONS
Reality TV cosmetic surgery makeover programs may contribute to eating disordered attitudes and behaviors among young women, particularly those who have internalized the thin body-ideal. These findings seem to be especially applicable for White women; however, they should be further investigated with more diverse and international samples.
Mazzeo
Suzanne E
SE
Department of Psychology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA. semazzeo@vcu.edu
Trace
Sara E
SE
Mitchell
Karen S
KS
Gow
Rachel Walker
RW
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001290:Attitude; D001504:Beauty; D001828:Body Image; D015992:Body Mass Index; D003469:Culture; D004038:Diet, Reducing / Q000523:psychology; D001068:Feeding and Eating Disorders / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007389:Internal-External Control; D010555:Personality Inventory; D012649:Self Concept; D012945:Social Values; D013334:Students / Q000523:psychology; D013518:Surgery, Plastic / Q000523:psychology*; D013690:Television; D013851:Thinness / Q000523:psychology*