The Effect of Functionality- and Aesthetic-Focused Images on Australian Women’s Body Satisfaction

Kate Mulgrew; Saskia M Hennes

doi:10.1007/s11199-014-0440-2

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The Effect of Functionality- and Aesthetic-Focused Images on Australian Women’s Body Satisfaction

Journal article

Open access

Peer reviewed

The Effect of Functionality- and Aesthetic-Focused Images on Australian Women’s Body Satisfaction

Kate Mulgrew and Saskia M Hennes

Sex Roles, Vol.72(3-4), pp.127-139

2015

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11199-014-0440-2

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Abstract

body conceptualization

body-as-object

body-as-process

athletic internalization

body image

Negative effects of viewing images of thin and attractive models have been well documented. However, these models are typically presented in an objectified, passive form with a focus on the aesthetic qualities of the body. Little is known about women's responses to models presented in an active form, with a focus on athleticism and performance. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to test body conceptualization theory by exposing women to models presented with a focus on the body-as-object (BAO), the body-as-process (BAP), or images of scenery, and to examine whether a desire to achieve an athletic body interacted with these effects. A convenience sample of 160 women was recruited from the general public, gyms, and university in a regional Australian area. Participants completed pre- and post-test measures of state mood, fitness and body satisfaction as well as a trait measure of athletic internalization. Results showed that exposure to either BAP or BAO images produced similar negative outcomes compared to exposure to scenery. Thus, emphasis on performance cues still elicits negative self-evaluations. However, differences between women high and low on athletic internalization were primarily found in response to the BAO images. That is, women who desired an athletic physique reported greater depression, anger and feelings of fatness after viewing the posed models compared to women who expressed less desire for an athletic body shape. Further research is needed around the ways in which athletic images and athletic internalization can be used to foster a more positive body image.

Details

Title: The Effect of Functionality- and Aesthetic-Focused Images on Australian Women’s Body Satisfaction
Authors: Kate Mulgrew (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast - Faculty of Arts and Business
Saskia M Hennes (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast - Faculty of Arts and Business
Publication details: Sex Roles, Vol.72(3-4), pp.127-139
Publisher: Springer New York LLC
Date published: 2015
DOI: 10.1007/s11199-014-0440-2
ISSN: 0360-0025
Copyright note: Copyright © 2015 Springer New York LLC. The author's accepted version is reproduced here in accordance with the publisher's copyright policy. The final publication is available at Springer via http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s11199-014-0440-2
Organisation Unit: School of Social Sciences - Legacy; University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; School of Health - Psychology; School of Health and Behavioural Sciences - Legacy
Language: English
Record Identifier: 99449055802621
Output Type: Journal article

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Web Of Science research areas: Psychology, Developmental; Psychology, Social; Women's Studies

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