This research examined the role that idealised image characteristics have in determining post-exposure body image and amount of self-reported social comparisons. This was tested by exposing female undergraduate students to media-portrayed idealised images that varied in their level of relevance, salience, or attainability. A negative impact of these images was indicated by greater post-exposure body dissatisfaction and body size estimation inaccuracy. In contrast, a positive impact was considered to have occurred when body dissatisfaction decreased and body size estimation was more accurate. If the images had a neutral impact on body image, one would expect little difference between groups or over time. A further aim was to determine whether a higher level of trait tendency to compare was related to more negative responding at post-exposure. In addition, thin ideal internalisation and restraint were examined as possible moderators. Studies 1, 2a, 2b, and 3 indicated that idealised image relevance and salience had little differential impact on post-exposure body image. That is, exposure to thin idealised images, irrespective of the salience and relevance manipulations, resulted in similar post-exposure body dissatisfaction and body size estimation. In contrast to this, the attainability of the image seemed to influence post-exposure responding, at least in terms of body size estimation (Study 4). Higher trait tendency to compare was associated with a greater amount of self-reported comparison with the images, but had little impact on body image. Surprisingly, these results were not moderated by thin ideal internalisation or restraint. The role of individual differences was explored with additional analyses in Study 5, which revealed that, when the power is sufficient, thin ideal internalisation, restraint, and self-reported comparisons with the images predicted post-exposure body dissatisfaction, but not body size estimation. Overall, this program of research suggests that idealised image features do not play a vital differential role in determining post-exposure body image, unless it is the body itself that is being manipulated. Results from this research support the idea that the mere presence of an idealised body is sufficient to activate negative responses, and there was little, if any, evidence for the occurrence of positive responses. These findings are discussed in terms of social comparison and schema theory, and in terms of their practical implications.

Abstract Författare: Liselott Holst Titel: Studie- och yrkesvägledares yrkesidentiteter- En intervjustudie med några verksamma studie- och yrkesvägledare på grund- och gymnasieskolan Masteruppsats: 91 – 120 hp Handledare: Niklas Gustafson Pedagogiska Institutionen   Bakgrunden till denna uppsats är att det riktats en hel del kritik mot skolans studie- och yrkesvägledning av bl.a. Skolverket. Ur dessa rapporter framkom bl.a. kritik mot att det idag finns stora skillnader i kvalitet mellan olika kommuner och olika skolor när det gäller skolornas studie- och yrkesvägledning. En förklaring till dessa kvalitetsskillnader är att det enligt skollagen finns en stor frihet för den enskilda skolan att själv bestämma över innehållet och organiseringen av skolans studie- och yrkesvägledning. Tydligare riktlinjer för hur skolans studie- och yrkesvägledning ska bedrivas har därför framförts. Uppsatsens syfte är att studera hur några verksamma studie- och yrkesvägledare inom grund- och gymnasieskolan talar om sig själva och sitt yrke i relation till den egna arbetsplatsen. Min teoretiska utgångspunkt är diskursanalys och social jämförelseteori och jag har använt mig av kvalitativa intervjuer med hjälp av en intervjuguide. Ur resultatet av det empiriska materialet har jag kunnat identifiera en diskursordning för vägledare på grund- och gymnasieskolan. Inom denna diskursordning finns olika åsikter bland respondenterna i studien bl.a. när det gäller arbetsuppgifter som ligger utanför vägledarens egentliga yrkeskompetens. Diskursen om ”mångsyssleri” är den mest framträdande diskursen i denna studie. Ett annat intressant resultat är att personligheten är viktigare än yrkesgrupp när det gällde frågor om samarbete och känsla av tillhörighet med andra yrkesgrupper på den egna arbetsplatsen. I intervjuerna framkom också att det finns ett önskemål bland några av respondenterna om ökad reglering och tydligare riktlinjer för skolans studie- och yrkesvägledning medan andra värdesätter ett större handlingsutrymme för den egna verksamheten. / Author : Liselott Holst Title: professional identities of guidance counselors - A interviewstudy with some active guidance counselors in elementary and secondary school Master Thesis : 91 - 120 hp Supervisor: Niklas Gustafson Department of Education The purpose of this thesis is to study how some active guidance counselors in elementary and secondary school are talking about themselves and their profession in relation to their own workplace. My theoretical starting point is discourse analysis and social comparison theory, and I have used qualitative interviews using an interview guide. From the result of the empirical material I have been able to identify a discourse scheme for counselors in elementary and secondary school. Within this order of discourse are different opinions among the respondents in the study, including when it comes to tasks that are outside the counselors' actual professional competence. The discourse of "versatile artist" is the most prominent discourse in this study. Another interesting result is that personality is more important than profession when it came to matters of cooperation and sense of belonging with other professionals in their workplace. The interviews also revealed that there is a desire among some respondents about increased regulation and clearer guidelines for school guidance and counseling, while others value the greater latitude for their own operations.

This research examined the role that idealised image characteristics have in determining post-exposure body image and amount of self-reported social comparisons. This was tested by exposing female undergraduate students to media-portrayed idealised images that varied in their level of relevance, salience, or attainability. A negative impact of these images was indicated by greater post-exposure body dissatisfaction and body size estimation inaccuracy. In contrast, a positive impact was considered to have occurred when body dissatisfaction decreased and body size estimation was more accurate. If the images had a neutral impact on body image, one would expect little difference between groups or over time. A further aim was to determine whether a higher level of trait tendency to compare was related to more negative responding at post-exposure. In addition, thin ideal internalisation and restraint were examined as possible moderators. Studies 1, 2a, 2b, and 3 indicated that idealised image relevance and salience had little differential impact on post-exposure body image. That is, exposure to thin idealised images, irrespective of the salience and relevance manipulations, resulted in similar post-exposure body dissatisfaction and body size estimation. In contrast to this, the attainability of the image seemed to influence post-exposure responding, at least in terms of body size estimation (Study 4). Higher trait tendency to compare was associated with a greater amount of self-reported comparison with the images, but had little impact on body image. Surprisingly, these results were not moderated by thin ideal internalisation or restraint. The role of individual differences was explored with additional analyses in Study 5, which revealed that, when the power is sufficient, thin ideal internalisation, restraint, and self-reported comparisons with the images predicted post-exposure body dissatisfaction, but not body size estimation. Overall, this program of research suggests that idealised image features do not play a vital differential role in determining post-exposure body image, unless it is the body itself that is being manipulated. Results from this research support the idea that the mere presence of an idealised body is sufficient to activate negative responses, and there was little, if any, evidence for the occurrence of positive responses. These findings are discussed in terms of social comparison and schema theory, and in terms of their practical implications.

A qualitative interview study aimed at investigating the role of training images for people and the needs of Instagram users. The study focuses on the Actic gym in Kalmar, which is a relatively unexplored area. The questions that the study asks are; What does Instagram mean for media users at Actic? What results of workout does skilled Instagram users experience on Actic? Is there any visible difference between the sexes that practice at Actic and their experience of exercise pictures at Instagram? Semi-structured interviews have been made with eight people age 18-24, as this is the age group that is most active on Instagram. The interviews were transcribed and resulted in a discussion that we lean against the Uses and Gratifications theory and the social comparison theory. The result shows a number of needs that users are considered to need to fill and the perception of training-influenced images that are both positive and negative. The needs are such as inspiration and motivation as well as the help that may be needed to go to the gym.

Reality shows remain a prominent genre of today’s media culture. More importantly, plot lines tend to be dominated by interpersonal relationship trajectories, which often include conflict such as relational aggression (Coyne, Robins, & Nelson, 2010). When relational aggression is included in analyses that compare the content of scripted and reality shows, researchers find that aggression is more likely to occur in reality shows than scripted shows (Coyne et al., 2010). Furthermore, reality shows are often described as “unscripted,” portraying “real” people during their “ordinary” days (Riddle & De Simone, 2013). Relational aggression is link to physical violence and other poor social and psychological effects (e.g., Caetano, Vaeth, & Ramisetty-Mikler, 2008; Linder, Crick, & Collins, 2002) and, therefore, needs better understanding. Therefore, the present study’s theoretical foundation in cultivation theory, theory of reasoned action, social cognitive theory, and social comparison theory sought to understand how reality shows influence adult viewers and their perceptions and behaviors within romantic relationships. Four-week longitudinal data from 117 dyads was analyzed for potential media effects and how those effects could influence relational aggression within relationships and relational quality. The results suggest minimal media effects but do support negative longitudinal effects of relational aggression on relational quality. Limitations and future directions are discussed.

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Background: The ideals of beauty standards had been under constant change throughout history, and quite often would remain out of reach to the determent of many. The application of an idealized image of oneself remains a powerful tool when it comes to persuasion in social media and marketing. Although mostly spoken of within the context of women, the pressure to appeal to the beauty standard does not leave men out. Within fitness, a lot of attention is already focused on the body, and with the boon in technology we find ourselves exposed to the idealized images more than ever. Fitness influencers impact the lives of many, and the trend of an idealized male body image is being promoted daily through social media channels with varying receptions.  Purpose: Previous studies have been primarily focused on women as a sampling group, whereby it has shown that also men suffer from the idealized beauty and body standards which are promoted through different media. Especially, nowadays where social media and the impact of influencer maintain gaining more power over individuals. By studying the effect that image posts from fitness influencer have on the male body image, it is able to understand how male user react to such unrealistic beauty standards. Method: To fulfil the purpose of this qualitative study, 10 in-depth interviews were conducted with male participants in their twenties from international background. All of them followed not only an active lifestyle, which included gymming but as well following fitness influencers on Instagram. As a deductive approach was utilized for this thesis, the collected date was decoded, analysed and interpreted thematically with support of the theory. Conclusion: The findings of this study reveal that men feel content with the perception of their body image when aligned with the ideals portrayed by the fitness influencers. The effects of witnessing the idealized images had led to temporary dissatisfaction in their body image, but the participants had shown to further reflect on the presented content and the outcome resulted in feelings of motivation and a positive expectation of what their further actions could bring. Moreover, the exposure to the images is accompanied by deliberate upward comparisons to further serve as a reflection of desires which results in motivation to continue to participate in the process.

Smartphones blir allt mer en integrerad del av människors liv genom att erbjuda funktioner som till exempel tillfredsställer våra sociala behov. Samtidigt har dessa funktioner också blivit en källa till smartphoneberoenden. Detta har bidragit till utvecklingen av digital detox-applikationer som kan hjälpa en att minska sin smartphoneanvändning. I några av dessa digital detox-applikationer existerar en funktion där man kan dela och jämföra skärmtid med andra personer, där en anledning kan vara att motivera varandra till att minska sin skärmtid. Att människor jämför sig med andra personer för att utvärdera sig själva från en viss aspekt, för att i sin tur utveckla ett nytt beteende kan kopplas till Social Comparison Theory och Selfevaluation maintenance model (SEM modellen). SEM modellen argumenterar bland annat för att personer som står en psykologiskt nära har en större tendens till att motivera en till självförbättring. Detta kan ske om de presterar bättre i ett område som är relevant för ens självdefinition. Studien har därför undersökt hur delning och jämförelse av skärmtid påverkar personer inom en vänskapskrets och om det kan leda till minskad mobilanvändning. Detta har undersökts med hjälp av applikationen Timedown där 5 vänner fått dela och jämföra sin skärmtid med varandra under 12 dagar. Slutligen genomfördes en semistrukturerad intervju med varje enskild deltagare. Intervjuerna syftade till att ta reda på hur deltagarna upplevde att använda funktionen och om det påverkat deras mobilanvändning. Resultatet av studien visar att personer påverkas olika av att dela och jämföra skärmtid med vänner och att det beror på hur ens skärmtid förhåller sig till övrigas. En person som har en förhållandevis hög skärmtid jämfört med sina vänners tenderar att ha en större benägenhet till att minska sin skärmtid än en person som har en lägre skärmtid. Resultatet bör dock inte generaliseras för alla vänskapsgrupper som använder den här typen av funktion. Däremot kan det bidra med nya perspektiv på hur jämförandet av skärmtid kan användas i digital detox-sammanhang. / Smartphones are increasingly becoming an integral part of people's lives by offering functions that for example satisfies our social needs. At the same time, these functions have also become a source of smartphone addiction. This has contributed to the development of digital detox-applications which help to reduce one's smartphone usage. In some of these digital detox- applications, a function exists where you can share and compare screen time with other people. A reason for this can be to motivate each other to decrease smartphone usage.  That people tend to compare themselves with others to evaluate themselves from a certain aspect and thereby develop a new behaviour, can be connected to the Social Comparison Theory and the Self-evaluation maintenance model (SEM-model). The SEM- model argues, among other things, for the fact that people who are psychologically close to a person, have a greater tendency to motivate that person to self-improvement. This happens if they perform better within an area relevant for the person's self-definition. The study has therefore investigated how sharing and comparing screen time affects persons within a friend group and if it can result in decreased screen time. This has been investigated using the application Timedown, where 5 friends have shared and com- pared their screen time with each other during 12 days. Finally, a semi-structured interview was carried out with every single participant. The interviews aimed to find out how the participants experienced using the feature and if it affected their smartphone usage.  The result of the study shows that people are differently affected by sharing and comparing screen time with friends, and that it depends on your screen time in relation to the others. A person with a relatively high screen time compared to one's friends tends to have a greater inclination to decrease their screen time than a person with a lower screen time. The result should not be generalized for all friend groups using this type of feature. Instead, it could contribute to new perspectives on how the comparison of screen time can be used in contexts of digital detox.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to discover whether the weight-related messages and themes from food advertisements in women's magazines reinforce or contradict the messages communicated in nutrition-related articles focusing on weight control within the same magazines. Design: Content analysis of 48 issues of weight-related content six popular women's magazines, 2001-2002. There were three magazines in each of two categories, "homemaking" and "health." All food and nutrition advertisements were analyzed (n=954), along with all nutrition articles (n=336). Advertisements and articles were identified as being either weight-related or non-weight-related. Type of food/product advertised, claims used to market the product, and weight-control themes present were documented for each advertisement. Type of content, major topics discussed, food/diet recommendations, and weight-control themes were documented for all weight-related articles. Statistical analyses performed: Chi-square (Χ^2) analyses were used to test for statistical differences between frequencies of coded categories between two magazine types. Logistic regression was used to analyze differences in the presence of the weight-related themes in both ads and articles and between magazines types. Results: Articles were more likely to refer to body weight than advertisements (p<.0001) and health magazines were more likely to have weight-related content than homemaking magazines (p=.044). Fruits and vegetables were the most frequently promoted foods in weight-related articles, but there were no weight-related advertisements for fruits or vegetables. Recommendations to avoid or reduce certain foods in weight-related articles most frequently mentioned sweets, fats, and caloric beverages, yet fats and sweets were the most frequently advertised food category overall (18.5%). Health foods represented 49.6% of all weight-related advertisements. Advertisements were more likely than articles to suggest that weight control is important for appearance (p=.001) and does not require avoiding favorite foods (p=.016). Articles were likely to suggest weight control is important to health (p=.002) and is a chronic effort (p=.002). Conclusion: There is a discrepancy in foods promoted for weight control and weight-related messages among food advertisements and nutrition articles in popular women's magazines. Messages in diet articles tend to reflect professional guidelines while those contained in advertisements may promote undesirable weight control beliefs and practices.

Communication research has begun to assess the unique relationship between social comparison, social media, and body image (Lewallen & Behm-Morawitz, 2016), yet little research has been done to assess the unique connection between body dissatisfaction, social media filters, and cosmetic surgery (Beos et al., 2021). Studies have found that viewing edited body images on Instagram positively correlates with decreased body satisfaction and behaviors of body objectification (Tiggemann, & Barbato, 2018). This study used a series of scales to measure individuals' media exposure (MTUAS: Rosen et al., 2013) body area satisfaction (BASS; Brown et al., 1990), facial region satisfaction (FRSS; Guthrie et al., 2008), cosmetic surgery normative beliefs (ACSS; Henderson-King & Henderson-King, 2005), and Instagram appearance comparison (IACS; Di Gesto et al., 2020) in conjunction with eye-tracking, and social comparison theory (Festinger, 1954). Measures were used to assess characteristics in visual processing behavior among women at differing levels of IACS, BASS, FRSS, and ACSS, and if media exposure and Instagram comparison tendencies are connected to body area satisfaction and cosmetic surgery normative beliefs. A sample of 120 females 18 years of age and older who use social media completed the scales two weeks before being eye-tracked where they viewed three images of a female's face with and without makeup and one that had been digitally enhanced. Results revealed that media exposure was not connected to cosmetic surgery normative beliefs and that Instagram comparison tendencies were not linked to cosmetic surgery normative beliefs with visual attention, yet a positive trend was observed in that direction. Implications for social comparison theory and recommendations for future research relating to facial beauty filters are discussed.