Running Head Assignment 2 Final Project Literature Review

Running Head Assignment 2 Final Project Literature Review

Analyze the influence of media exposure, particularly television and fashion images, on adolescent body image and self-perception. Include discussion of theories such as cultivation theory, examine age-related perceptions, gender differences, cultural factors, and psychological mechanisms like social comparison. Discuss implications of media portrayals of idealized bodies, associated risks like low self-esteem and eating disorders, and consider evidence from empirical studies and theoretical frameworks. Conclude with insights on media influences, including cross-cultural differences and strategies for promoting healthy body image among adolescents.

Paper For Above instruction

Media's influence on adolescent body image has been a significant area of research, particularly in understanding how exposure to idealized images affects self-perception, self-esteem, and health behaviors. The pervasive nature of media, especially television, magazines, and online platforms, shapes adolescents' ideals of beauty and influences their attitudes towards their bodies. Theories such as cultivation theory suggest that long-term media exposure creates social realities that adolescents internalize, often leading to distorted perceptions of body norms and expectations.

Research indicates that television and media portrayals predominantly feature thin female models and muscular male figures, ideals that are often unrealistic and unattainable for most adolescents. Eisend and Möller (2007) highlighted that adolescents spend approximately 17 hours weekly in various media, including television, internet, and gaming. This high consumption rate exposes them intensively to idealized body images, fostering an environment where social comparison becomes inevitable. When adolescents compare their bodies to these portrayals, dissatisfaction can ensue, leading to low self-esteem and health-compromising behaviors such as disordered eating or extreme dieting.

Developmentally, perceptions of body image begin early in childhood. Granatino and Haytko (2013) observed that girls as young as seven begin to desire thinness, influenced heavily by media attitudes. Boys, by age nine, are aware of their body size and often aspire to a lean, muscular physique. These early perceptions are reinforced by continuous exposure to media images promoting the thin-ideal for females and the muscular ideal for males. Such messages impact self-worth and body satisfaction as children grow into adolescence, with media playing a pivotal role in shaping socio-cultural standards of beauty.

Gender differences are apparent in media influence, with female adolescents more likely to experience dissatisfaction related to thinness, whereas male adolescents may aspire to muscularity. Studies show that female adolescents frequently engage in dieting practices, sometimes harmful, to attain the thin ideal. Media's portrayal of 'perfect' body types fosters a distorted body image, leading to issues like body dysmorphia and eating disorders. Winham and Hampl (2008), for instance, reported that media exposure correlates with increased body dissatisfaction and disordered eating behaviors among females. Conversely, for males, the emphasis on muscularity can lead to steroid use or other unhealthy interventions to achieve the idealized body.

Cultural factors further complicate media's influence. While Western cultures emphasize thinness, other cultures may have different aesthetic standards. African American adolescents, for example, might be less influenced by Western media standards, although globalization has increased exposure to Western ideals across diverse groups. The study by Granatino and Haytko (2013) revealed that African American adolescents showed less desire for thinness compared to their Caucasian counterparts, suggesting that cultural and racial backgrounds mediate media impact on body perception.

Psychological mechanisms such as social comparison theory underpin the effects of media images on adolescent self-image. Adolescents tend to compare themselves with idealized role models depicted in media, which can lead to feelings of inadequacy and dissatisfaction. These comparisons are often moderated by self-esteem; those with lower self-esteem are more vulnerable to negative body image outcomes. Moreover, media portrays often depict a 'perfect' body through advanced computer graphics, further fueling unrealistic standards.

The impact of media on adolescent body image extends beyond individual perception to influence behaviors with potential health consequences. For example, exposure to thin models correlates with increased dieting, body surveillance, and negative mood states. These behaviors can escalate to eating disorders, which are associated with significant physical and psychological health risks. Studies like those reviewed by Derenne and Beresin (2006) have demonstrated that media-driven ideals contribute to a culture of body dissatisfaction and unhealthy weight control practices.

Intervention strategies attempting to counteract media's negative influence have yielded limited success. Educational programs aimed at fostering media literacy and promoting diverse body representations have shown some promise but are often not sufficient to offset pervasive media messages. As such, comprehensive approaches that involve family, educators, and media producers are necessary to promote healthier body image narratives. Recognizing the role of media in shaping adolescent development is crucial for designing effective public health strategies and promoting resilience against harmful ideals.

In conclusion, media exerts a profound influence on adolescent body image through idealized portrayals that foster social comparison, dissatisfaction, and unhealthy behaviors. Developmental, gender, and cultural factors shape how adolescents internalize these messages. Addressing these issues requires multi-faceted interventions that include media literacy education, cultural sensitivity, and promoting diverse body images. Future research should focus on cross-cultural differences, long-term outcomes of media influence, and effective prevention strategies to foster positive self-image and mental health among adolescents.

References

  • Cusumano, D. K. (2001). Media influence and body image in 8-11-year-old boys and girls: a preliminary report on the multidimensional media influence scale. International Journal of Eating Disorders, 29(1), 37-44.
  • Derenne, J. L., & Beresin, E. V. (2006). Body image, media, and eating disorders. Academic Psychiatry, 30(3), 257-261.
  • Eisend, M., & Möller, J. (2007). The influence of TV viewing on consumers' body images and related consumption behavior. Marketing Letters, 18(1-2), 77-89.
  • Granatino, R., & Haytko, D. L. (2013). Body image, confidence, and media influence: A study of middle school adolescents. Journal of Applied Business Research, 29(1), 45-58.
  • Lawrie, Z., Sullivan, E. A., Davies, P. W., & Hill, R. J. (2006). Media influence on the body image of children and adolescents. Eating Disorders, 14(5), 393-406.
  • Lopez-Guimera, G., Levine, M., Sànchez-Carracedo, D., & Fauquet, J. (2010). Influence of mass media on body image and eating disordered attitudes and behaviors in females: A review of effects and processes. Media Psychology.
  • Spurr, S., Berry, L., & Walker, K. (2013). Exploring adolescent views of body image: The influence of media. Issues in Comprehensive Pediatric Nursing, 36(1/2), 17-36.
  • Tiggemann, M. (2005). Television and adolescent body image: The role of program content and viewing motivation. Journal of Social and Clinical Psychology, 24(3), 330-343.
  • Winham, D., & Hampl, J. S. (2008). Adolescents report television characters do not influence their self-perceptions of body image, weight, clothing choices or food habits. Youth & Society, 39(2), 214-231.

Related Assignments