COM 313- Mass Media & Society: Ted Gournelos Sarah Steiger
Body Image in the Media Special K Does Special K support or refute society’s “ideal” standards of body image? Project Overview
Body Image & Media Benowitz-Fredericks et. al (2012) Prevention Neumark-Sztainer et. al (2006) Sociocultural Aspect Murnen & Don (2012), Cafri et. al (2005) Male Perspective Mosley (2008) Dieting Putterman & Linden (2004) Theoretical Frame
Method & Sample Method: Focus Groups Sample: 8 participants in two groups Rollins College students (age 20-23) Convenience Sample
Society and Media are related to body image. Race, family, and friends can be contributing factors in developing body dissatisfaction. Special K tries to promote self-confidence at the expense of your body image. Special K could improve by adding differing body types and ages, and changing their slogan. Focus Group Data
Society and Media play a critical role in shaping body image. Mostly negative connotations Females feel more pressured to conform to the thin ideal that society presents than males. Special K is trying to put forth their agenda so that people will buy their product. Implications
Benowitz-Fredericks, Carson A., Garcia, Kaylor, Massey, Meredith, Vasagar, Brintha, and Dina L.G. Borzekowski “Body Image, Eating Disorders, and the Relationship to Adolescent Media Use.” Pediatric Clinics of North America 59: Cafri, Guy, Yamamiya, Yuko, Brannick, Michael, and J. Kevin Thompson “The Influence of Sociocultural Factors on Body Image: A Meta- Analysis.” Clinical Psychology: Science and Practice 12.4: Mosley, Philip E “Bigorexia: Bodybuilding and Muscle Dysmorphia.” European Eating Disorders Review 17: Murnen, S.K., and B.P. Don “Body Image and Gender Roles.” Encyclopedia of Body Image and Human Appearance 1: Neumark-Sztainer, Dianne, Levine, Michael, Paxton Susan, Smolak, Linda, Piran, Niva, and Eleanor Wertheim ” Prevention of Body Dissatisfaction and Disordered Eating: What Next?” Eating Disorders 14: Putterman, E., and W. Linden “Appearance Versus Health: Does the Reason For Dieting Affect Dieting Behavior?” Journal of Behavioral Medicine 27.2: Sources