Journal article
The effectiveness of positive appearance and functionality reflective writing tasks on state body image and response to idealised media exposure among 35-60 year-old women
Body Image, Vol.37, pp.127-137
2021
PMID: 33676302
Abstract
Functionality and appearance-based reflective writing tasks can improve body image in young women. There is limited research investigating these tasks in mature women. This study tested (a) the effectiveness of writing tasks on women's state body image and (b) whether these tasks buffered responses to idealised media. Women (N = 240, M
= 44.58) were randomly allocated to write about the positive aspects of their body functionality, their appearance, or their stress management techniques. They were then exposed to images of cities, or thin-ideal models presented in either posed or active ways. Body appreciation, appearance satisfaction, and functionality satisfaction were measured at pre-reflection, post-reflection, and post-image exposure. Social comparison was measured at post-image. The functionality writing task produced immediate improvements across all state measures, while the positive appearance and stress reflection tasks produced improvements in functionality satisfaction. Image exposure then produced a decrease across all measures, except for body appreciation which remained stable in women who had completed the functionality reflections. No difference in social comparison was found between reflection conditions. The active images resulted in more functionality-based comparison than posed images. These findings contribute to the literature showing benefits of writing tasks which focus on appreciating one's body functionality.
Details
- Title
- The effectiveness of positive appearance and functionality reflective writing tasks on state body image and response to idealised media exposure among 35-60 year-old women
- Authors
- Rachael M Weaver (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Health and Behavioural Sciences - LegacyKate E Mulgrew (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Health and Behavioural Sciences - Legacy
- Publication details
- Body Image, Vol.37, pp.127-137
- Publisher
- Elsevier BV
- Date published
- 2021
- DOI
- 10.1016/j.bodyim.2021.02.008
- ISSN
- 1873-6807
- PMID
- 33676302
- Organisation Unit
- School of Health - Psychology; University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; School of Health and Behavioural Sciences - Legacy; Cancer Research Cluster
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 99518308202621
- Output Type
- Journal article
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- Web Of Science research areas
- Psychiatry
- Psychology, Clinical
- Psychology, Multidisciplinary
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Source: InCites