Consumer opinion on social policy approaches to promoting positive body image: Airbrushed media images and disclaimer labels

Paraskeva, Nicole; Lewis-Smith, Helena; Diedrichs, Phillippa C

Abstract

© The Author(s) 2015. Disclaimer labels on airbrushed media images have generated political attention and advocacy as a social policy approach to promoting positive body image. Experimental research suggests that labelling is ineffective and consumers' viewpoints have been overlooked. A mixed-method study explored British consumers' (N = 1555, aged 11-78 years) opinions on body image and social policy approaches. Thematic analysis indicated scepticism about the effectiveness of labelling images. Quantitatively, adults, although not adolescents, reported that labelling was unlikely to improve body image. Appearance diversity in media and reorienting social norms from appearance to function and health were perceived as effective strategies. Social policy and research implications are discussed.

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Aug 10, 2015
• Online Publication Date: Aug 10, 2015
• Publication Date: Feb 1, 2017
• Deposit Date: Aug 13, 2015
• Publicly Available Date: May 4, 2016
• Journal: Journal of Health Psychology
• Print ISSN: 1359-1053
• Publisher: SAGE Publications
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 22
• Issue: 2
• Pages: 164-175
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/1359105315597052
• Keywords: airbrushing, body image, disclaimer labels, media, policy
• Public URL: https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/899209
• Publisher URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/1359105315597052
• Contract Date: May 4, 2016