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Updated: May 22, 2026
05:57
Fat Preference: A Novel Model of Eating Behavior in Rats
Published on: June 27, 2014
Evaluative conditioning makes slim models less desirable as standards for comparison and increases body satisfaction
Carolien Martijn1, Paschal Sheeran, Laura W Wesseldijk
1Department of Clinical Psychological Science, Maastricht University, The Netherlands. c.martijn@maastrichtuniversity.nl
Summary
This study shows that associating thin-ideal models with "fake" reduces their appeal for appearance comparisons and boosts body satisfaction in women. The intervention improved how participants viewed their own bodies.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Social Psychology
- Media Psychology
Background:
- Societal exposure to thin-ideal models negatively impacts women's body image.
- Appearance-based social comparisons with idealized media figures contribute to body dissatisfaction.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate an evaluative conditioning intervention's effectiveness in reducing the envy of thin-ideal models.
- To determine if this intervention enhances body satisfaction among female participants.
Main Methods:
- Two studies were conducted with female participants randomly assigned to an intervention or control group.
- The intervention involved associating thin-ideal models with negative concepts (e.g., "fake").
- Implicit measures (Implicit Association Test) and self-report body satisfaction scales were used.
Main Results:
- Intervention participants showed significantly less implicit idealization of thin models compared to controls.
- Participants in the intervention group reported increased body satisfaction, unlike the control group.
Conclusions:
- Evaluative conditioning can effectively diminish the negative influence of thin-ideal models on women's perceptions.
- The intervention successfully reduced the emulation of slim models and improved body satisfaction.
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