Pretty as a Princess: Longitudinal Effects of Engagement With Disney Princesses on Gender Stereotypes, Body Esteem, and Prosocial Behavior in Children.
This study examined level of engagement with Disney Princess media/products as it relates to gender-stereotypical behavior, body esteem (i.e. body image), and prosocial behavior during early childhood. Participants consisted of 198 children (Mage= 58 months), who were tested at two time points (approximately 1 year apart). Data consisted of parent and teacher reports, and child observations in a toy preference task. Longitudinal results revealed that Disney Princess engagement was associated with more female gender-stereotypical behavior 1 year later, even after controlling for initial levels of gender-stereotypical behavior. Parental mediation strengthened associations between princess engagement and adherence to female gender-stereotypical behavior for both girls and boys, and for body esteem and prosocial behavior for boys only.
Brigham Young University.
Sarah M
SM
Coyne
Linfield College.
Jennifer Ruh
JR
Linder
Texas Tech University.
Eric E
EE
Rasmussen
Brigham Young University.
David A
DA
Nelson
Brigham Young University.
Victoria
V
Birkbeck
D001828:Body Image / Q000523:psychology*; D002648:Child; D002652:Child Behavior / Q000523:psychology*; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005783:Gender Identity; D006801:Humans; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D012737:Sex Factors; D012919:Social Behavior; D013240:Stereotyping