Can the Media Affect Us? Social Comparison, Self-Discrepancy, and the Thin Ideal

The aim of the present study was to examine the causal relationships between psychological and social factors, being independent variables and body image dissatisfaction plus symptoms of eating disorders as dependent variables through the mediation of social comparison and thin-ideal internalization. To conduct the study, 477 high-school students from Tehran were recruited by method of cluster sampling. Next, they filled out Rosenberg Self-esteem Scale (RSES), Physical Appearance Comparison Scale (PACS), Self-Concept Clarity Scale (SCCS), Appearance Perfectionism Scale (APS), Eating Disorder Inventory (EDI), Multidimensional Body Self Relations Questionnaire (MBSRQ) and Sociocultural Attitudes towards Appearance Questionnaire (SATAQ-4). In the end, collected data were analyzed using structural equation modeling. Findings showed that the assumed model perfectly fitted the data after modification and as a result, all the path-coefficients of latent variables (except for the path between self-esteem and thin-ideal internalization) were statistically significant (p<0.05). Also, in this model, 75% of scores' distribution of body dissatisfaction was explained through psychological variables, socio-cultural variables, social comparison and internalization of the thin ideal. The results of the present study provid experimental basis for the confirmation of proposed causal model. The combination of psychological, social and cultural variables could efficiently predict body image dissatisfaction of young girls in Iran. Key Words: Thin-ideal Internalization, Social comparison, Body image dissatisfaction, mediating effects model, eating disorder symptoms, psychological factors.

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Body Ideals in the Media: Perceived Attainability and Social Comparison Choices

Media Psychology ◽

10.1080/15213269.2010.547833 ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 14 (1) ◽

pp. 27-48 ◽

Cited By ~ 37

Author(s):

Silvia Knobloch-Westerwick ◽

Joshua P. Romero

Keyword(s):

Social Comparison ◽

The Media ◽

Body Ideals

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Retouchée au Féminin: The Gendered Nature of the French Law Mandating Labeling of Digitally Modified Images

Laws ◽

10.3390/laws10030062 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 10 (3) ◽

pp. 62

Author(s):

Rachel F. Rodgers ◽

Katherine Laveway

Keyword(s):

Body Image ◽

Eating Disorder ◽

Empirical Data ◽

Thin Ideal ◽

French Law ◽

Negative Effects ◽

Women's Bodies ◽

Eating Disorder Risk ◽

The Media ◽

Disorder Risk

The majority of advertisements contain thin-ideal imagery that have been digitally modified. A robust body of research has suggested that exposure to these retouched images has negative effects on body image and increases eating disorder risk. Furthermore, these concerns are known to be highly gendered both in nature and in their extent, with women revealing higher levels of concerns predominantly related to thinness. Although not supported as a useful approach by empirical data, in 2017, France introduced a law requiring advertisers to label images featuring models whose weight and/or shape have been altered. These images must bear the label “photographie retouchée”, or “retouched image”. However, this legislation has been difficult to enforce, as unlike other French legislation related to labeling advertising, its lack of specificity makes it difficult to identify violations. Paradoxically, given its intentions, where applied, uses of the label disproportionately focus on women’s bodies in the media, as compared to men’s bodies. These findings highlight the need for legislation that is enforceable and supported by the allocation of sufficient resources. In addition, findings highlight the importance of grounding legislation and policy in the extant relevant data and involving strategic stakeholders in its creation.

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