Effect of Exposure to Attractive Models on Social Appearance Anxiety among university Students

Abstract

The present study aimed at examining the effect of exposure to media portrayed images of attractive models on social appearance anxiety among young adults. We also aimed at understanding the differences in social appearance anxiety, objectified body consciousness and romantic inclination in terms of romantic relationship status. One hundred university students (50 men and 50 women) were randomly assigned to experimental (exposed to attractive images of models) and control group matched for age and gender. Participants were also administered valid measures on romantic inclination, social appearance anxiety and objectified body consciousness. Results indicated that those who had been exposed attractive model showed higher level of appearance anxiety compared to the control group. Further statistical analysis showed that men have higher levels of romantic inclination and body objectification than women do. Analysis with regard to the relationship status revealed that those who had a recent break up in relationship showed higher levels of body consciousness and romantic inclination than the currently dating group and single group.