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The impact of advertisements featuring ultra-thin or average-size models on women with a history of eating disorders

journal contribution
posted on 2023-06-07, 18:15 authored by Emma Halliwell, Helga Dittmar, Jessica Howe
Previous research demonstrates that exposure to ultra-thin media models leads to increased body image concerns amongst women (Groesz, Levine, & Murnen, 2002). There is emerging evidence that attractive, average-size models do not have this negative effect and can be effective in advertising (e.g. Halliwell & Dittmar, 2004). The present study investigates these factors amongst women with a history of eating disorders. Participants either viewed advertisements featuring ultra-thin, average-size or control images. Immediately after exposure, they reported their body-focused anxiety and rated the effectiveness of the advertisements. Whereas exposure to ultra-thin models did not lead to increased body-focused anxiety, exposure to average-size models produced a relief effect, whereby women reported lower levels of body-focused anxiety. Advertisements featuring ultra-thin and average-size models were equally effective. The results suggest that average-size, attractive models could be used effectively in advertising, which may help to relieve body image concerns amongst these women.

History

Publication status

  • Published

Journal

Journal of Community and Applied Social Psychology

ISSN

1052-9284

Publisher

Wiley

Issue

5

Volume

15

Page range

406-413

Department affiliated with

  • Psychology Publications

Notes

Co-author

Full text available

  • No

Peer reviewed?

  • Yes

Legacy Posted Date

2012-02-06

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