How the Exposure to Beauty Ideals on Social Networking Sites Influences Body Image: A Systematic Review of Experimental Studies

Sharing and viewing photos on social networking sites (SNSs) have been identified as particularly problematic for body image. Although correlational research to date has established that SNS use is associated with increased body dissatisfaction, only experimental studies can enhance confidence in the conclusions drawn. For this reason, this systematic review synthesizes data from 43 experimental studies (N = 8637; %F = 89.56; mean age = 21.58 ± 1.78) examining the effect of viewing idealized images (i.e., attractive, thin, and fit) and body positive content on SNSs on body image. Two studies were conducted on adolescents. Each study had slight variations in how the images were presented for each category (e.g., selfies and photos taken by others). The wide variability in experimental stimuli and psychological moderators used in the published research make a systematic review more feasible and meaningful than a meta-analysis. Findings indicate that viewing idealized images on SNSs lead to increased body dissatisfaction among young women and men. State appearance comparison (i.e., engaging in social comparison while viewing images) significantly mediated the effect, whereas trait appearance comparison (i.e., the relatively stable general tendency to engage in social comparison) was a significant moderator. Mixed results were found regarding the exposure to body positive images/captions. Viewing images on SNSs depicting unattainable beauty ideals leads young people to feel dissatisfied about their bodies, with appearance comparison processing playing an important role. More research is required to assess the long-term effects.

Black Girls Swim

During the early part of the twentieth century, Black girls in the United States attended Young Women’s Christian Associations (YWCAs) where they received instruction in sports and physical activity. Using archival research, in this article I examine the role of swimming in Black girls’ sports and physical activity practices in Northern YWCAs. With a focus on the construction of Black girlhood, health, and embodiment, I trace how girls navigated spatial segregation, beauty ideals, and athleticism. I highlight the experiences of Black girl swimmers—subjects who have often been rendered invisible in the historical and contemporary sporting landscape.

Women undercover: exploring the intersectional identities of Muslim women through modest fashion

Significant discrimination is directed toward Muslim women who dress modestly. Despite this Muslims will spend an estimated US$75 billion on modest fashion by 2020, a 70% increase since 2015. Past research in modest fashion has focused on influencers, the industry, or on veiling. Muslim women’s everyday dress practices and their lived experiences have not been studied. Through an intersectional framework, this research uses wardrobe interviews with sixteen Muslim women and digital storytelling with four of them to explore how they embody their identity through modest fashion, how intersectionality impacts their clothing choices, and what contexts influence their sartorial decisions. Three themes emerged: what influences their style; how they shop and style outfits; and what consequences are faced. My research found that by prioritizing modesty as a sartorial practice, these women are diverting the Western gaze, navigating away from superficial and oppressive Western beauty ideals, and challenging narrow Islamophobic stereotypes. Keywords: modesty, female modesty, sartorial agency, dressed bodies, fashion, hijab, Muslim, Islamophobia, intersectionality, fashion diversity, Western gaze, Orientalism

Women undercover: exploring the intersectional identities of Muslim women through modest fashion

Significant discrimination is directed toward Muslim women who dress modestly. Despite this Muslims will spend an estimated US$75 billion on modest fashion by 2020, a 70% increase since 2015. Past research in modest fashion has focused on influencers, the industry, or on veiling. Muslim women’s everyday dress practices and their lived experiences have not been studied. Through an intersectional framework, this research uses wardrobe interviews with sixteen Muslim women and digital storytelling with four of them to explore how they embody their identity through modest fashion, how intersectionality impacts their clothing choices, and what contexts influence their sartorial decisions. Three themes emerged: what influences their style; how they shop and style outfits; and what consequences are faced. My research found that by prioritizing modesty as a sartorial practice, these women are diverting the Western gaze, navigating away from superficial and oppressive Western beauty ideals, and challenging narrow Islamophobic stereotypes. Keywords: modesty, female modesty, sartorial agency, dressed bodies, fashion, hijab, Muslim, Islamophobia, intersectionality, fashion diversity, Western gaze, Orientalism

Skin lightening in an age of enlightenment: an exploration of the history, risks, and pedagogical implications of a beauty trend

Historical and contemporary data demonstrates that people with darker skin have often participated in skin lightening practices (by blending home remedies, using skin care products designed to lighten or brighten skin, and undergoing cosmetic medical treatments) in order to alter their appearance to fit Eurocentric beauty ideals. This major research project explores the practice of lightening or brightening skin, the marketing strategies that perpetuate this trend, and the risks to consumers and practitioners. It also seeks to point to ways the research may be used to improve the teaching and learning environment for the next generation of spa and cosmetic professionals. Keywords: skin lightening, hydroquinone, medical spa, medical esthetician, esthetic education standardization

Skin lightening in an age of enlightenment: an exploration of the history, risks, and pedagogical implications of a beauty trend

Historical and contemporary data demonstrates that people with darker skin have often participated in skin lightening practices (by blending home remedies, using skin care products designed to lighten or brighten skin, and undergoing cosmetic medical treatments) in order to alter their appearance to fit Eurocentric beauty ideals. This major research project explores the practice of lightening or brightening skin, the marketing strategies that perpetuate this trend, and the risks to consumers and practitioners. It also seeks to point to ways the research may be used to improve the teaching and learning environment for the next generation of spa and cosmetic professionals. Keywords: skin lightening, hydroquinone, medical spa, medical esthetician, esthetic education standardization

Identifying attributes motivating appearance management behaviours among young college women: Narcissism, self-efficacy, body attitudes and internalization of beauty ideals

The purpose of this research was to investigate a range of individual attributes (i.e. narcissism, self-efficacy, body attitudes and internalization of beauty ideals) as antecedents to young college women’s engagement in both general (non-risky) and risky appearance management behaviours. This study also examined the mediating role of beliefs about the importance of appearance in the relationship between all antecedent variables and engagement in appearance management behaviours. A survey was conducted with female undergraduates (n = 120) who enrolled at a land-grant university in the Midwestern United States. A mediation analysis with PROCESS was conducted to test the direct and indirect relationships among the variables. Exhibitionistic narcissism and internalization of beauty ideals had positive indirect effects on both general (non-risky) and risky appearance management behaviours via beliefs about the importance of appearance. Self-efficacy had a positive direct effect on both general (non-risky) and risky appearance management behaviours, while it had no indirect effect via beliefs about the importance of appearance. Body attitudes had a positive direct effect on general (non-risky) appearance management behaviours only. A mediating role of beliefs about the importance of appearance is discussed. Academic contributions and managerial implications are also discussed.