Explaining the Relationship Between Media Exposure and Early Adolescents’ Body Image Perceptions

Abstract

In recent years, there has been a worldwide increase in the extent of overweight and obesity as well as other eating disorders, especially among youths. Alongside genetic and biological factors that can explain some aspects of these phenomena and the psychological outcomes associated with them, researchers attributed an important role to social and cultural factors, including the mass media. This study examined the relationship between media exposure and early adolescents’ body image. It applied social comparison theory to the study of favorite television characters, an original extension of past research on general social comparison processes. Specifically, the parasocial relationships and motivations for self-comparison with the characters were examined. Based on a survey among 391 seventh and eighth graders, the study found that media exposure negatively predicted body image both directly and through a mediation process involving parasocial relationships with favorite characters, motivations to self-compare, and engagement in social comparison with them. Further, social comparison with favorite characters was found to positively predict an actual/ideal body shape discrepancy which negatively predicted body image. The findings are discussed in light of theory, developmental considerations associated with this unique age group, past research, and educational and policy implications.