The Impact of the Media's Depiction of Models on Women's Body Image
Presenter(s)
Tori Kalisz
Abstract or Description
The media’s promotion of the thin beauty ideal has long been known to have negative consequences for women’s self-esteem and body image. As social media has developed, these issues of poor self-perception, self-esteem, and body image in young women may be worsening and becoming more prevalent than ever, perhaps due to the constant exposure to the idealization of thin models in accessible media. This presentation focuses on how women are impacted differently by the media’s depiction of thin versus plus-size models. The findings of this research demonstrate that women are extremely susceptible to body comparison and the influence of models in media. Increasing representation of more average-weight and overweight women in media may help to reduce the negative impacts of the current idealization of overly thin women as the ‘standards’ of female beauty. If we do not act now to increase representation of more ‘normal’ bodies, the consequences on women will continue to worsen.
Mentor
Dr. Suanne-Maurer Starks, EdD, ATC, Health and Kinesiology Department
Comments
Ashley Schepis3 years ago
This is a really interesting topic. I think that there has been a fairly decent amount of exposure on this topic on social media and things but it’s still an ongoing issue. I think that societally we have taken steps in the right direction; increased use of plus size models, body positivity campaigns, etc.. However, some of the steps taken haven’t been perfect, such as Victoria’s Secret ending their fashion show instead of being more inclusive, or using plus size models that aren’t truly plus size. There is definitely work to be done and I think your research is a step in the right direction!
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Elizabeth Ezekiel3 years ago
Hi Tori - what an important topic! While I initially assumed this was a psychology project from the title, I think it is great that you are approaching body image and dysmorphic marketing of bodily ideals from the health and kinesiology perspective. Your methodology sounds very thorough, and it is clear you put a lot of work into this! I also really like the layout/design of your poster presentation.
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Andrea Weng3 years ago
Really liked the implications section of the presentation! I feel like I've always kind of heard about how media coverage and exposure to celebrities (and their often thin bodies) have negative effects, but it has never occurred to me that those effects could trickle down to something as commonplace and Hollywood-removed as healthcare materials.
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Allison Carter3 years ago
Beautiful poster! This is such a relevant topic in today's world with the prevalence of social media. I appreciate that you talk about healthcare providers educating women on "normal" and "average" bodies. Often in healthcare women are not taken seriously depending on how they look, and this is a huge issue within the health field. Do you think the "body positive" movement is helpful in allowing women today to be more comfortable in their bodies?
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