The effects of "thin ideal" media on women's body image concerns and eating-related intentions: the beneficial role of an autonomous regulation of eating behaviors

Body Image. 2011 Sep;8(4):357-65. doi: 10.1016/j.bodyim.2011.06.003. Epub 2011 Jul 23.

Abstract

The present study examines the protective role of an autonomous regulation of eating behaviors (AREB) on the relationship between trait body dissatisfaction and women's body image concerns and eating-related intentions in response to "thin ideal" media. Undergraduate women (n=138) were randomly assigned to view a "thin ideal" video or a neutral video. As hypothesized, trait body dissatisfaction predicted more negative affect and size dissatisfaction following exposure to the "thin ideal" video among women who displayed less AREB. Conversely, trait body dissatisfaction predicted greater intentions to monitor food intake and limit unhealthy foods following exposure to the "thin ideal" video among women who displayed more AREB.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Asian / psychology
  • Body Image*
  • Body Size
  • Cross-Cultural Comparison
  • Culture
  • Diet, Reducing / ethnology
  • Diet, Reducing / psychology
  • Feeding Behavior / ethnology
  • Feeding Behavior / psychology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Intention*
  • Internal-External Control*
  • Periodicals as Topic*
  • Self Concept
  • Social Conformity
  • Students / psychology
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Television*
  • Thinness / ethnology
  • Thinness / psychology*
  • White People / psychology
  • Young Adult