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Validation of a Psychosocial Intervention on Body Image in Older People: An Experimental Design
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Relationships between self-esteem, media influence and drive for thinness
Sofia Fernandez1, Mary Pritchard
1Department of Psychology, Boise State University, 1910 University Dr., Boise, ID 8375-1715, USA. sofiafernandez@u.boisestate.edu
Eating Behaviors
|November 6, 2012
Summary
Media significantly impacts body image and drive for thinness in both men and women. Media models are the primary predictor, with social pressures and internalization playing secondary roles, highlighting gender differences in media influence.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Media Studies
- Sociology
Background:
- Media powerfully shapes societal appearance expectations for men and women.
- Increased body dissatisfaction has been observed in women over recent years.
- Understanding media's role in body image is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the relationships between drive for thinness, self-esteem, and media influence.
- To investigate gender differences in these relationships.
- To identify predictors of drive for thinness.
Main Methods:
- Surveyed 294 college students using validated scales.
- Assessed self-esteem, sociocultural attitudes, media influence, and drive for thinness.
- Employed a self-constructed questionnaire for media model influence.
Main Results:
- A significant relationship was found between media influence and drive for thinness.
- Self-esteem was also significantly related to drive for thinness.
- Media models were the primary predictor for drive for thinness in both genders.
Conclusions:
- Media influence is a key factor in drive for thinness.
- Social pressures and media internalization predict drive for thinness differently in men and women.
- Findings underscore the importance of examining media's impact on gendered body image concerns.
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