Skip to main content

Research Repository

Advanced Search

Thin Ideals in Music Television: A Source of Social Comparison and Body Dissatisfaction

Tiggemann, Marika; Slater, Amy

Authors

Marika Tiggemann

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



Abstract

Objective: The study investigated the impact of thin idealized images of women as presented in music television, a popular form of entertainment for young people. Methods: A sample of 84 women viewed a videotape containing either appearance music videos (which emphasized appearance and featured thin and attractive women) or nonappearance music videos. The instructional set was also manipulated to encourage or discourage social comparison. Results: Viewing the appearance music videos featuring thin women led to increased social comparison and body dissatisfaction. Regression analyses showed that the effect of video condition on body dissatisfaction was mediated by the level of comparison processing. Discussion: The study demonstrated that the content of television programming can have negative consequences for women's body image. In addition, it offered social comparison processing as both a theoretic mechanism and a practical target for intervention. © 2003 by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Citation

Tiggemann, M., & Slater, A. (2004). Thin Ideals in Music Television: A Source of Social Comparison and Body Dissatisfaction. International Journal of Eating Disorders, 35(1), 48-58. https://doi.org/10.1002/eat.10214

Journal Article Type Article
Publication Date Jan 1, 2004
Journal International Journal of Eating Disorders
Print ISSN 0276-3478
Publisher Wiley
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 35
Issue 1
Pages 48-58
DOI https://doi.org/10.1002/eat.10214
Keywords thin ideals, music television, social comparison, body dissatisfaction, body image
Public URL https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/1064086
Publisher URL http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/eat.10214