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'Retouch free': The effect of labelling media images as not digitally altered on women's body dissatisfaction

Tiggemann, Marika; Slater, Amy; Smyth, Veronica

Authors

Marika Tiggemann

Amy Slater Amy.Slater@uwe.ac.uk
Associate Professor in Centre for Appearance Research

Veronica Smyth



Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the effect of 'retouch free' labels on thin ideal fashion images on women's body dissatisfaction. This represents an experimental analogue to current practice by some fashion magazines. Participants were 224 female undergraduates who viewed a set of fashion shoots with either no label, or a label indicating that the image had not been digitally altered. Results indicated that, although body dissatisfaction increased after exposure to the thin ideal images, there was no significant effect of label type on mood or body dissatisfaction. It was concluded that labelling images as digitally unaltered appears neither helpful nor harmful in terms of body dissatisfaction. Nevertheless, more extensive research is required to guide the most effective use of labels. © 2013 Elsevier Ltd.

Journal Article Type Article
Publication Date Jan 1, 2014
Journal Body Image
Print ISSN 1740-1445
Publisher Elsevier
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 11
Issue 1
Pages 85-88
DOI https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bodyim.2013.08.005
Keywords media, thin ideal images, retouch free labels, body dissatisfaction, social comparison, fashion magazines, body image
Public URL https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/826836
Publisher URL http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.bodyim.2013.08.005