A correlational study of the impact of media influence on the body image of adolescent females

Abstract

Magazines, movies, advertisements are all influential forces in our society. Adolescent females are susceptible to this influence. It is important for adolescent females to become aware of the impact of the media to override the messages that our society is sending to these females. In heightening adolescent females' awareness of this destructive force in our society, body image satisfaction may be increased, and the damaging consequences of negative body images, such as eating disorders and depression, may be lowered. The purpose of this study was to determine the correlation of the media influence on the body image of adolescent females. A detailed description of the development of body image, large targeting of the media upon adolescents, the dangers of negative body image, and the benefits of a positive body image were the focus of this study. Data collected from adolescent females enrolled in a required psychology class during the fall of 2000 at a high school in the Midwest was utilized. The data included responses from the Multidimensional Media Influence Scale and the Appearance Schemas Inventory. The questionnaires were used to assess the level of influence the media had on these particular females, their attitudes about their body, and corresponding correlation between these two factors. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data. Results showed that the media is a significant factor in the assessment of one's body image. Items focusing on the fact that attractiveness ideals stem from magazines, movies, actresses/actors, models were found to be highly significant. The participants also agreed with questionnaire items that made appearance a high priority in our society. Recommendations for further research would include the sampling of a more diverse population, utilizing a sample of males, and gathering a larger sample of participants.