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Wood-Barcalow NL, Alleva JM, Tylka TL. Revisiting positive body image to demonstrate how body neutrality is not new. Body Image 2024; 50:101741. [PMID: 38850714 DOI: 10.1016/j.bodyim.2024.101741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2024] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 06/10/2024]
Abstract
In this position paper, we review nonacademic and academic discourse on body neutrality, a recent concept that has spread from social media platforms into scientific publications. This discourse has (inaccurately) promulgated that body neutrality is distinct from and more realistic than positive body image and body positivity. We identify and challenge 10 myths found within this discourse: (1) positive body image and body positivity are the same and therefore interchangeable, (2) positive body image isn't realistic or attainable, (3) we should forget about body positivity and positive body image, (4) body neutrality is a new way of thinking about body image, (5) body neutrality is unique from positive body image and positivity, (6) body neutrality is a more realistic and inclusive alternative to positive body image and body positivity, (7) body neutrality is different from positive body image but we can still use the research on positive body image to support body neutrality, (8) body neutrality is a midpoint between negative body image and positive body image, (9) striving for body neutrality is sufficient, and (10) appearance can be disregarded. We offer recommendations applicable to researchers, clinicians, media, and the general public interested in body neutrality.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jessica M Alleva
- Department of Clinical Psychological Science, Maastricht University, the Netherlands.
| | - Tracy L Tylka
- Department of Psychology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
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Paraskeva N, Haywood S, Hasan F, Nicholls D, Toledano MB, Diedrichs PC. An exploration of having social media influencers deliver a first-line digital intervention to improve body image among adolescent girls: A qualitative study. Body Image 2024; 51:101753. [PMID: 38901182 DOI: 10.1016/j.bodyim.2024.101753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2024] [Revised: 06/03/2024] [Accepted: 06/04/2024] [Indexed: 06/22/2024]
Abstract
Social media influencers are popular among adolescents and could offer a unique way to reach young people at scale with body image interventions. This study explored girls' and influencers' views on having influencers deliver body image interventions through vlogs (video blogs) and to gain insight into their preferred format, content, and views on factors that encourage engagement with vlogs. Twenty-one UK based participants were recruited. Three online focus groups were conducted with adolescent girls (n = 16) aged 14-18 years and one with influencers (n = 5) aged 24-33 years, who had a collective following of over 1.5 million subscribers across social media platforms. Data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis and four themes were generated: Choosing an influencer whose messages and core values are aligned with the topic of body image; the importance of influencer authenticity and personal experience; collaborating on content creation with mental health professionals; and the need for long-form (i.e., 10-20 min) content to address serious topics. Findings suggest having influencers deliver body image interventions to young people could be a useful approach. Results highlight the need to engage with end users from the outset of intervention development to increase the likelihood of intervention effectiveness and engagement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Paraskeva
- Centre for Appearance Research, University of the West of England, Bristol, UK.
| | - Sharon Haywood
- Centre for Appearance Research, University of the West of England, Bristol, UK
| | - Farheen Hasan
- Centre for Appearance Research, University of the West of England, Bristol, UK
| | - Dasha Nicholls
- Division of Psychiatry, Department of Brain Sciences, Imperial College London, UK
| | - Mireille B Toledano
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, UK; MRC Centre for Environment and Health, Imperial College London, UK; Mohn Centre for Children's Health and Wellbeing, Imperial College London, UK
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Craddock N, Spotswood F, Rumsey N, Diedrichs PC. "We should educate the public that cosmetic procedures are as safe as normal medicine": Understanding corporate social responsibility from the perspective of the cosmetic procedures industry. Body Image 2022; 43:75-86. [PMID: 36063763 DOI: 10.1016/j.bodyim.2022.08.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2022] [Revised: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The cosmetic procedures industry is profitable and expanding. Through its premise and promotion, the industry contributes to unrealistic societal appearance pressures considered harmful to body image. In the context of limited regulation, there is an uneasy reliance on businesses in the sector to act in a socially responsible way. Corporate social responsibility (CSR) refers to voluntary business practices designed to benefit society, and engagement in CSR is shaped by extrinsic and intrinsic drivers. This study aimed to explore how senior UK industry professionals view CSR as it applies to their sector and to body image. Findings from 14 semi-structured interviews show that participants' understanding of CSR was limited to a myopic focus on patients. Little reflexivity was demonstrated in relation to the industry's responsibilities concerning negative body image in society. More broadly, the drivers of socially responsible practice were overwhelmingly extrinsic - oftentimes explicitly linked to bolstering or protecting company and/ or industry reputation. Participants, acknowledging a lack of intrinsic motivation for CSR across the sector, were largely in support of greater regulation. This research contributes to understandings of how the adoption of a CSR agenda might combine with regulatory efforts to curb the industry's impact on negative body image.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadia Craddock
- Centre for Appearance Research, Frenchay Campus, UWE, Coldharbour Lane, Bristol BS16 1QY, UK.
| | - Fiona Spotswood
- School of Management, University of Bristol, 4.07 Howard House, Queen's Avenue, Bristol BS8 1SD, UK
| | - Nichola Rumsey
- Centre for Appearance Research, Frenchay Campus, UWE, Coldharbour Lane, Bristol BS16 1QY, UK
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Beauty and the big business: A qualitative investigation of the development and implementation of the CVS Beauty Mark. Body Image 2022; 41:74-83. [PMID: 35240392 DOI: 10.1016/j.bodyim.2022.01.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2021] [Revised: 01/21/2022] [Accepted: 01/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Detrimental effects of retouched media imagery on body image among women have led to calls to increase transparency regarding the use of digital modification. CVS Health, a large US-based beauty retailer, announced in 2018 its intention to implement across its beauty department imagery two labels: a "Beauty Mark" label to indicate a retouch-free image, and a second label disclosing digital modification. The aim of the present study was to explore the motivations, facilitators, and barriers to its implementation. In-depth individual interviews (n = 11) were conducted with professionals involved in the conceptualization, development, artistic vision, and implementation of the initiative. Thematic analysis revealed three themes: (1) CVS's perception that the campaign as a good fit; (2) the marketing of "empowerment" to generate profit as well as a desired outcome; and (3) desire to exemplify a value-driven company model and contribute sustainably to broader values such as diversity and body positivity. These findings may help to identify ways in which to create larger scale change within media imagery.
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Beauty ideals, social media, and body positivity: A qualitative investigation of influences on body image among young women in Japan. Body Image 2021; 38:358-369. [PMID: 34120098 DOI: 10.1016/j.bodyim.2021.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2020] [Revised: 04/30/2021] [Accepted: 05/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Body image and eating concerns are prevalent among Japanese young women and result in part from exposure to unrealistic media imagery. In Western contexts, a growing body of research has explored the impact of social media on body image and eating disorder risk, and the potential for body positive media to mitigate these harmful effects. However, similar research in Japan is lacking. The aim of the present study was to qualitatively explore media and social media influences on body image and associated behaviors among young women in Japan, with a specific focus on body positive media content. Female university students in Japan (n = 29) participated in majority group and some individual interviews. Thematic analysis revealed four primary themes: (1) media appearance pressures: additive pressures of Japanese and Western ideals through globalization, (2) criticism of, resistance to, and negotiating appearance ideals, and (3) presence of body positivity in Japan, and (4) media as a background for interpersonal appearance pressures. High pressure towards thinness emerged, perceived as contributing to weight control behaviors that were calibrated to avoid being "unhealthy." Desire for greater body diversity in Japanese media emerged; however, findings suggest body positive messaging is scarce and mainly limited to high-profile celebrities.
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Danthinne ES, Giorgianni FE, Ando K, Rodgers RF. Real beauty: Effects of a body-positive video on body image and capacity to mitigate exposure to social media images. Br J Health Psychol 2021; 27:320-337. [PMID: 34278653 DOI: 10.1111/bjhp.12547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2020] [Revised: 06/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Recent industry-created social marketing campaigns have targeted positive body image; however, research investigating the effects of such social media campaigns on body image has largely neglected non-Western English-speaking groups. This study explored the effects on body image of a video produced by Dove for a Japanese audience 'Real Beauty ID', and its capacity to modify the effects of subsequent exposure to celebrity social media images of young women. METHOD Young women from Japan (n = 568), mean age (SD) = 25.38 (3.52) years, were randomly allocated to view either the Dove Real Beauty ID video, or a control video, followed by exposure to celebrity social media images (female celebrities or landscapes). Finally, participants reported on state and trait appearance-based comparisons, thin ideal internalization, body appreciation, and media similarity scepticism. RESULTS Among participants with high levels of thin ideal internalization, those who viewed the Dove Real Beauty ID video reported significantly lower satisfaction with body and facial features, as well as more negative mood (p < .05) compared with the control video. Little support emerged for the capacity of the Dove Real Beauty ID video to modify the effects of exposure to celebrity social media images, nor were these effects moderated by risk and resilience factors. CONCLUSIONS In sum, no usefulness emerged for the Dove Real Beauty ID video in promoting positive body image, and limited usefulness was seen in buffering the effects of exposure to celebrity social media images among Japanese young women. Given the reach of such interventions, exploring whether interventions that are culturally adapted and theoretically driven are more helpful is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa S Danthinne
- APPEAR, Department of Applied Psychology, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Francesca E Giorgianni
- APPEAR, Department of Applied Psychology, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Kanako Ando
- APPEAR, Department of Applied Psychology, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Rachel F Rodgers
- APPEAR, Department of Applied Psychology, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Psychiatric Emergency & Acute Care, Lapeyronie Hospital, CHRU Montpellier, France
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Selensky JC, Carels RA. Weight stigma and media: An examination of the effect of advertising campaigns on weight bias, internalized weight bias, self-esteem, body image, and affect. Body Image 2021; 36:95-106. [PMID: 33217717 DOI: 10.1016/j.bodyim.2020.10.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2019] [Revised: 10/18/2020] [Accepted: 10/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
While some media perpetuate weight stigma and an ideal of thinness, certain advertising campaigns, such as Aerie Real and Dove Real Beauty, have attempted to promote body acceptance. The current study evaluated the influence of exposure to these campaigns on weight bias, internalized weight bias (IWB), self-esteem, body image, and affect relative to exposure to a campaign perpetuating the thin ideal and a documentary on weight stigma. 475 female participants were randomized to one of five conditions: Aerie, Dove, Victoria's Secret, an HBO documentary, or control (i.e., neutral video clip). Participants completed measures of weight bias, IWB, self-esteem, body image, and affect one week prior to and immediately after watching the assigned video clip. Results showed positive effects of the Aerie and Dove campaigns on women. While global measures of weight bias and IWB were unchanged, women who viewed the Dove and Aerie campaigns reported significantly improved self-esteem and positive affect. Further, women found the campaigns to have positive, uplifting, and empowering messages. Aerie's and Dove's acceptance-promoting advertising campaigns positively influenced self-esteem and mood, and they are potential tools for weight bias reduction. Advertisements and media have the potential to impact weight-based attitudes in society.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer C Selensky
- East Carolina University, East Fifth Street, 104 Rawl Building, Greenville, NC 27858, United States.
| | - Robert A Carels
- East Carolina University, East Fifth Street, 104 Rawl Building, Greenville, NC 27858, United States
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Giorgianni F, Danthinne E, Rodgers RF. Consumer warning versus systemic change: The effects of including disclaimer labels on images that have or have not been digitally modified on body image. Body Image 2020; 34:249-258. [PMID: 32759021 DOI: 10.1016/j.bodyim.2020.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2019] [Revised: 07/11/2020] [Accepted: 07/11/2020] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Two strategies for protecting body image against the negative effects of exposure to idealized media images have been proposed: (1) using labels to alert viewers to digital retouching, (2) limiting digital retouching. This study investigated the effects digitally modified vs.unmodified images and the use of labels on those images (disclaimer/retouch-free] vs. unlabeled) on appearance satisfaction and mood. Trait upwards appearance comparison, media ideal internalization, media similarity, and body appreciation were explored as moderators. Participants (n = 614, women, 18-30 years) viewed the same ten images of female figures (both thin ideal and size/shape diverse images) across four conditions: (1) unmodified, unlabelled, (2) unmodified, labelled, (3) modified, labelled, and (4) modified, unlabelled images. Exposure to unmodified images was shown to be less harmful than exposure to modified images. Neither label type was associated with more positive outcomes compared to their counterpart unlabelled conditions. State appearance comparison was highest in the two labelled conditions. Trait upwards appearance comparison and media ideal internalization to some extent moderated effects on negative mood. Findings provide additional evidence that disclaimer labels on digitally modified images are not helpful for body image, while images that depart from the thin-ideal can contribute to promoting positive body image.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Elisa Danthinne
- APPEAR, Department of Applied Psychology, Northeastern University, Boston, USA
| | - Rachel F Rodgers
- APPEAR, Department of Applied Psychology, Northeastern University, Boston, USA; Department of Psychiatric Emergency & Acute Care, Lapeyronie Hospital, CHRU Montpellier, France.
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McLean SA. Impact of viewing body image health promotion videos in adult men and women: Comparison of narrative and informational approaches. Body Image 2020; 33:222-231. [PMID: 32334146 DOI: 10.1016/j.bodyim.2020.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2019] [Revised: 04/02/2020] [Accepted: 04/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Body dissatisfaction is a serious public health issue, however, low awareness of its seriousness, and stigma, may inhibit treatment seeking. Social marketing videos using narrative-entertainment or documentary-informational style approaches may enhance awareness but little research has evaluated their impact, particularly potentially harmful effects. The current study addressed this gap. Men (n = 226) and women (n = 229), were randomly allocated to view one of four videos; (1) Narrative, (2) Narrative plus persuasive appeal, (3) Informational, and (4) Informational plus persuasive appeal. Outcome variables were assessed before and after viewing. A time-by-video interaction indicated an increase in perception of the importance of body dissatisfaction as a public health problem following informational, but not narrative videos. Time by gender interactions showed that women, but not men, experienced increased body weight satisfaction and reduced intentions to engage in body-talk after video viewing. Time main effects revealed improvements in perceptions of the problematic nature of body dissatisfaction related behaviours, in shape and muscularity satisfaction, and reduced anxiety and intentions to use body-talk and appearance comparison. Findings suggest that social marketing can increase awareness of body dissatisfaction without inadvertently causing harm. Results from this study provide preliminary support for dissemination through social marketing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siân A McLean
- School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia; Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University, Melbourne, Australia.
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Looking to the future: Priorities for translating research to impact in the field of appearance and body image. Body Image 2020; 32:53-61. [PMID: 31790960 DOI: 10.1016/j.bodyim.2019.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2018] [Revised: 10/18/2019] [Accepted: 10/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The field of body image and appearance research and practice is progressing; however, there is still work to be done to ensure broad societal impact. This article consolidates reflections from a range of established and early career experts in the field of appearance and body image, with a focus on stimulating and guiding future agenda setting and translation from research to impact. We conducted a thematic analysis of transcripts from nine recorded 5-minute presentations, delivered by researchers and clinicians as part of a special invited presentation session at a biennial international conference, 'Appearance Matters,' in the UK. Four themes were identified: Moving Beyond the Individual; Consolidation and Collaboration; Commitment to Implementation; and Positive and Protective Frameworks. These themes are discussed alongside recommendations for researchers and practitioners working in these fields to advance research, advocacy, and impact outside of academia.
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