Journal article
An Experimental Investigation of Whether Body-Positive Messaging on Fitspiration and Diverse Images Can Improve State Body Image in Women
Body Image, Vol.47, pp.1-9
2023
Abstract
Viewing body-positive content on social media can benefit women's body image. Previous research has conceptualised body positivity broadly, and therefore it remains unclear whether some components are more useful than others. This study examined the impact of body appreciation or body functionality messages (in addition to a mixed condition) overlaid across different image types to influence women’s body image. Young women (17-30 years, Mage= 21.53, N =308) completed an online survey in which they were randomised to view either fitspiration or diverse images overlaid with messaging focusing on body appreciation, body functionality, or a combination. Participants completed pre- and post-test measures of appearance and functionality satisfaction, body appreciation, and body objectification / conceptualisation. Post-test measures of social comparison and perceptions of models were also taken. Results showed that message type did not interact with image type. Rather, exposure to diverse images increased appearance satisfaction and body appreciation, with no changes to functionality satisfaction (vs a decrease for the fitspiration condition). All conditions improved in self-objectification. Further, diverse images resulted in more favourable social comparisons. Our findings consider body positive content in a controlled way and show no differences across body appreciation or body functionality themes.
Details
- Title
- An Experimental Investigation of Whether Body-Positive Messaging on Fitspiration and Diverse Images Can Improve State Body Image in Women
- Authors
- Emily Hepburn (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Health - PsychologyKate E. Mulgrew (Corresponding Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Health - Psychology
- Publication details
- Body Image, Vol.47, pp.1-9
- Publisher
- Elsevier BV
- Date published
- 2023
- DOI
- 10.1016/j.bodyim.2023.101642
- ISSN
- 1873-6807
- Data Availability
- The data that have been used are confidential.
- Organisation Unit
- School of Health - Psychology; Cancer Research Cluster
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 99979097002621
- Output Type
- Journal article
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