Consumer opinion on social policy approaches to promoting positive body image: Airbrushed media images and disclaimer labels.
Disclaimer labels on airbrushed media images have generated political attention and advocacy as a social policy approach to promoting positive body image. Experimental research suggests that labelling is ineffective and consumers' viewpoints have been overlooked. A mixed-method study explored British consumers' ( N = 1555, aged 11-78 years) opinions on body image and social policy approaches. Thematic analysis indicated scepticism about the effectiveness of labelling images. Quantitatively, adults, although not adolescents, reported that labelling was unlikely to improve body image. Appearance diversity in media and reorienting social norms from appearance to function and health were perceived as effective strategies. Social policy and research implications are discussed.
University of the West of England, UK.
Nicole
N
Paraskeva
University of the West of England, UK.
Helena
H
Lewis-Smith
University of the West of England, UK.
Phillippa C
PC
Diedrichs
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001288:Attention; D001290:Attitude; D001828:Body Image / Q000523:psychology*; D002648:Child; D003258:Consumer Behavior / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008402:Mass Media; D008875:Middle Aged; D011356:Product Labeling / Q000379:methods*; D011640:Public Policy; D006113:United Kingdom; D055815:Young Adult
airbrushing; body image; disclaimer labels; media; policy