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The present study is the first in literature to empirically test how both two dimensions of self-esteem—self-respect and self-efficacy—moderate the third-person perception of thin-ideal images in the mass media. Respondents who were high in self-respect and who were high in self-efficacy in the study exhibited greater third-person perception of thin-ideal images. In addition, as self-respect/self-efficacy decreased, “perceived effects of thin-ideal images in the mass media on self” increased. In addition, the study has expanded the scope of behavioral component of third-person effects. Past studies usually assume one behavior outcome for undesirable or negative media messages. The present study has proposed two behavioral outcomes, including image-related outcome and support for restrictions of ideal thinness, in regard to thin-ideal images in the mass media. Results of analyses showed that “perceived effects of thin-ideal images on self” was a more reliable predictor of image-related outcome and that “perceived effects of thin-ideal images on others” could better predict support for restrictions of ideal thinness in the mass media. The findings of both predictors of behavioral outcomes also indicate that in relation to a media message, individuals might evaluate the media effects at different levels and hence engage in more than one cognitive process. Therefore, using third-person perception to predict behavior may not merely commit a methodological error, but also simplify the possible cognitive processes and fail to solicit accurate results.

Study One aimed to provide a current understanding of pupils’ attitudes towards people who are overweight and the prevalence and significance of weight-based unkindness in school. Methods: The study followed a mixed method, sequential qualitative and quantitative research design. Part One of the study used exploratory focus groups to ascertain that weight-based unkindness was a valid concern for children and young people, when compared against unkindness of other content. The focus group also ensured that the vignettes used in the survey (Part Two) were ecologically valid. Part Two included an existing measure of weight-stigma (attitude scale) and three sets of vignette-based questions to measure pupils’ perceptions of the frequency and severity of different incidents of unkindness. Part Two, was administered to 214 participants via a computerised survey. Results: The majority of pupils (61%) judged the overweight characters to be the least accepted. Participants also perceived significantly greater hurt, anger, embarrassment and humour to follow episodes of weight-based unkindness. Study Two aimed to better understand why, how and what is ‘different’ about pupils’ understanding of weight-based unkindness when compared to other types of unkindness. Methods: This study adopted an explorative approach to hear the lived experiences of six teachers and 29 children in two South West Primary Schools. Data was collected via semi-structured interviews, administered through focus groups (pupils) and paired interviews (teachers). Data was analysed using latent thematic analysis (Braun & Clarke, 2006). Results: The study found that pupils used the language of personal choice to attribute personal responsibility to overweight CYP, whilst teachers attributed this blame to their parents. Teachers espoused acceptance for the overweight whilst their behaviours implicitly reinforced the ‘thin-ideal’. Key findings are discussed from a theoretical perspective and their implication for supporting attitude change is highlighted.

Research has identified a relation between exposure to thin-ideal magazine and television media images and eating disorder pathology. However, few studies have examined the potential influence of Internet media on eating disorder behaviors and attitudes. This study investigated the associations among appearance-orientated media exposure, body dissatisfaction, eating pathology and thin-ideal internalization in a sample of 421 female undergraduate students. Results indicate that undergraduate women spend significantly more time viewing appearance-oriented sources online, rather than reading appearance-orientated magazines. Appearance-oriented Internet consumption was also more strongly associated with eating disorder pathology than was use of other media (television and magazines). Relations between appearance-orientated media use (all types) and body dissatisfaction was mediated by thin-ideal internalization. These findings are consistent with those of previous research, and highlight the vulnerability individuals high in thin-ideal internalization might have following media exposure. They also suggest that Internet media might be an important topic to include in eating disorders prevention and treatment.

This thesis focuses on the ways of depicting female beauty in ELLE magazine. In the theoretical part, the concept of beauty is defined and the development of the ideal of beauty and the influence of the media on people are described. The attitudes and research on beauty in the media are mentioned and primarily the emphasis is put on depiction of female beauty in the media. The reasons for women accepting the ideal of beauty presented by the media, the real nature of beauty in the media and the possible influence on women's self-esteem are dealt with, as well. The thesis also introduces the development of female magazines and their current role on the Czech market. At the end of the thesis, the campaigns aiming at unreal ideal of beauty in the media are critically evaluated. Mixed research method is used in the thesis; by means of the content analysis the photos of women (in advertisements as well as other pictures) are investigated with emphasis on their characteristics and in connection with the topic of the articles. The semiotic analysis examines the front pages and the message they convey. The aim of the analysis was to determine the most frequent depiction of women and to establish the proportion of articles dealing with appearance.

Background - Welcome to the 2010’s and its visual information culture informing about the century-old ideal of thinness, by sending (almost) exclusively thin bodies down the runway of Paris Fashion Week (PFW). This, while at the same time the academia and mass media are repeatedly articulating the necessity of a more ethical aesthetic within the fashion industry, while the argument that “thinness sells” lack empirical support, while measures are taken around Europe to discourage media bias and encourage healthy bodies walking the, and while the body positivity movement – applauding the diversity of body types – is on the rise in the Western society. Problem - How can it be explained that PFW, as an event organized to communicate the latest trends, and as an institution of a concept that thrives on change, is being stuck in an inertia of thin models? The purpose of this qualitative study is to explore the explanations for the idealization of thin bodies in regard to female runway models, to be found in visual representations of PFW. Examining the paradox of the idealization of thin bodies has the potential to reveal the measures necessary to establish practices of ethical representation in the realm of PFW. Method - The search for explanations to the inertia of the thin ideal on the runways of PFW is based upon a qualitative research design and a method of semi-structured interviews. The sample consisted of fourteen people involved in the event of PFW. It is framed within three theoretical perspectives: the trickle-down, trickle-across and trickle-up theories – associated with authors such as Simmel (1957), King (1963) and Blumer (1969a; 1969b); a theoretical view of the relation between fashion, clothes and the body provided by Barnard (2014) and, lastly, the Organizational Ecology Theory presented by Hannan and Freeman (1977; 1989). Findings - The findings suggest that the inertia of the thin ideal on the runways of PFW is explained by the thin body not only being part of a long history and tradition of creating and showing fashion, but also being dressed in aesthetic value. At the same time, the explanations to the idealization, or inertia, of thin bodies on PFW are found to be multiple as well as paradoxical, a conclusion serving as an explanation in itself. Conclusion – It is difficult to point out the explanation to the inertia of the thin ideal – both in terms of factors and actors – not at least due to the explanations stemming from both social and cultural as well as economic aspects of fashion. As a consequence, every actor part the fashion industry need to understand the effects as well as the extent of idealization of thin bodies, and start to realize that public health is more important than profits.

Pediatric overweight is defined as a body mass index (BMI) for age of 85th-95th percentile, and occurs in approximately 33.6% of adolescents 12-19 years of age. Hispanic adolescents are disproportionately at risk for overweight. Excess weight can predispose adolescents to develop diabetes mellitus type 2, coronary artery disease, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, sleep apnea, osteoporosis, asthma, and certain types of cancer, whereas physical activity can help prevent and treat these diseases. Little is known about the factors that contribute to physical activity in Hispanic adolescent girls. The purpose of this study was to examine and compare the influence of personal characteristics, perceptual influences, interpersonal influences and sociocultural influences on physical activity in White and Hispanic adolescent girls. The theoretical framework for this study was self-designed--the Physical Activity Lifestyle Model. Data for this cross-sectional study was collected from girls age 11-14 who presented to the Children's Wellness Center in Del Valle, TX (N = 121) in the summers of 2011 and 2012. Most participants self-identified as Hispanic (n = 106). Participants completed a survey consisting of a 1-day physical activity recall, a demographic questionnaire, and several validated (primarily Likert-type) questionnaires. Height and weight were measured in the clinic. Data analysis began with descriptive analysis (mean, standard deviation and percentage) of demographic characteristics, dependent and independent variables, then Pearson correlations, and finally multiple linear regression to determine the influence of the independent variables on physical activity. No significant differences were found between ethnic groups on age, grade or school (p > .05). Physical activity was significantly related to body image (r = .189, p < .05), friend social support (r = .279, p < .01), and family social support (r = .401, p < .01). In addition, physical activity significantly predicted BMI percentile (B = -.043, SE = .019, t = -2.249, p = .027), appearance-related media messages (B = .259, SE = .127, t = 2.038, p = .044), pressures to be thin (B = .311, SE = .149, t = 2.082, p = .040), family social support for physical activity (B = .089, SE = .042, t = 2.139, p = .035), body image (B = .367, SE = .123, t = 2.987, p = .004), and physical activity enjoyment (B = .083, SE = .040, t = 2.089, p = .040). When designing an intervention to promote physical activity, health care providers and educators should consider that multiple external factors influence physical activity participation in Hispanic adolescent girls. Healthcare providers should involve parents and siblings in physical activity interventions for overweight adolescent girls. Interventions should be tailored to work with the adolescent girls' physical and social environment. Public health nurses should work with schools and communities to increase physical activity opportunities for adolescent girls in physical education classes, girls' sports, and after-school programs. / text

Navigating body image in Asian American communities is often complicated by direct comments and criticism from family members about one’s own appearance or weight. The purpose of the proposed study is to investigate the impact of family body criticism on internalization of the thin-ideal and eating attitudes in Asian American women. Specifically, the proposed study aimed to provide evidence for a potential mediator, perfectionism, between family body criticism and eating attitudes and also family body criticism and thin-ideal internalization. Using a correlational design, an online self-report questionnaire measuring four variables will be given to a sample of Asian American college students. It is predicted that ratings of family body criticism will be positively correlated with internalization of the thin-ideal, and negatively correlated with positive eating attitudes. It is further predicted that perfectionism will mediate the relationship between family body criticism and thin-ideal internalization, such that family body criticism will be positively related to perfectionism and perfectionism will be positively related to internalization of the thin-ideal. Lastly, it is predicted that perfectionism will mediate the relationship between family body criticism and positive eating attitudes, such that family body criticism will be positively related to perfectionism and perfectionism will be negatively related to positive eating attitudes. This research may hold significant implications for the inclusion of Asian American families in the treatment process of eating disorders and brings awareness to the heightened experiences of family body criticism for Asian Americans.

Eating disorders (EDs) cause irreversible physical damage, including organ failure and death. Although EDs receive considerable attention, the number of affected young women who seek help remains low. The purpose of this phenomenological study was to understand the sociocultural and socioenvironmental factors influencing ED development from the perspective of young women, and to explore why the rate of EDs continues to rise in this population. The sociocultural model served as a guide for the study. Ten young women 18-24 years old from Southwest Ohio participated in in-depth, semi structured, face-to-face interviews. Data coding and analysis revealed recurring themes, with findings indicating that family relationships and social media were major factors influencing young women's perceptions of personal image and attractiveness. Participants described that social media's negative portrayal of beauty leads to internalization of the thin-ideal, leading to body dissatisfaction, with subsequent negative dieting behaviors that increase the risk for eating disorder development. Family relationships were described as the main source of positive support to neutralize these external negative forces by creating environments where these young women are accepted. A combination of media, availability of fast food, and society's portrayal of beauty, had significant influences on ED development by creating "constant internal struggles" on body image, good food choices and acceptance in society. The study impacts social change by adding new information for public health program developers and policy makers that may be used to introduce ED programs in local schools that will empower these young women to seek help without fear of stigma or alienation.

Over the last 15 years there has been a dynamic shift within the fitness industry, particularly for women. For decades, women were expected to participate in aerobic-based workouts and maintain a thin figure. This thin ideal has been harmful to women and contributed to low levels of self-esteem. CrossFit diverges from aerobics by encouraging strength training and teaching women that workouts can be functional, and beauty does not only lie in one’s aesthetics. The emergence and growth of CrossFit is shifting fitness-related gender norms and expectations, and possibly contributing to higher levels of self-esteem in women. This shift has become more apparent and visible though the growth of social networking sites like Instagram. Since Instagram is a photo- and video-based platform, there are significant opportunities for social comparison. Therefore, researchers should attempt to better understand how women in CrossFit engage with Instagram, and more specifically, how social comparison mediates self-esteem. This research gained insight into CrossFit—a fitness program dominating worldwide and challenging harmful social norms for women within the fitness industry—by examining how women CrossFitters engage in social comparison on Instagram. This research fills a much-needed gap because there is a lack of research on women CrossFitters, Instagram, and social comparison. The researcher administered a survey consisting of seven scales and 72 questions throughout the greater Sacramento area measuring social comparison habits, self-esteem, superiority, and Instagram use among women CrossFitters. The researcher used correlation analysis to answer the proposed hypotheses. Although the collected data did not fully support all hypotheses, the research produced significant results and implications that contribute to a better understanding of the current state of the fitness industry, Women CrossFitters’ use of Instagram, and social comparison.