Abstract
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.