Body Image, Confidence, And Media Influence: A Study Of Middle School Adolescents

Abstract

For years, we have all been aware of the media’s portrayal of the ideal female as unreasonably thin. In recent years, portrayals of males as both thin and muscular have also appeared. While a myriad of research has shown that these images have negative effects on women’s body image and self-confidence, few studies have examined what these images do to younger consumers, both female and male. This study examines these issues and also looks at the differences in influence by race. The results show that Hispanic females are the most likely to be influenced, followed by White females. Black females reported no influence. With respect to adolescent boys, only a few reported any influence at all.