Mass media and self-esteem, body image, and eating disorder tendencies

Abstract

This study examines whether the level of exposure to mass media is related to self-esteem, body image, and eating disorder tendencies in a nonexperimental setting based on Festinger's social comparison theory. A convenience sample of 114 female college students participated in this study. Significant positive relationships between exposure to fashion or beauty magazines and (a) overall appearance dissatisfaction and (b) eating disorder tendencies were found. No relationship resulted from television exposure. In addition, risk of eating disorder tendencies was associated with (a) low self-esteem, (b) body dissatisfaction, and (c) overall appearance dissatisfaction. © 2007 International Textile & Apparel Association.