Gender differences in body-esteem, body dissatisfaction and the effects of the medias thin ideal
Authors
Mansfield, Tara
Issue Date
2012
Degree
BA (Hons) in Psychology
Publisher
Dublin Business School
Rights holder
Rights
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Abstract
The issue surrounding body-esteem and dissatisfaction seems to be an escalating problem within society, as the media increasingly celebrates thin ideals. The aim of the research was to investigate whether mass media had a direct influence on body-esteem and body dissatisfaction. A Quantitative analysis was the chosen method. 90 participants were used for analysis, split equally for both genders. The analysis revealed that male and female participants experienced similar levels of body-esteem, with the media playing a powerful predictor for body-esteem levels; with female participants scoring higher than males. Both male and female participants revealed low levels of body-esteem and body dissatisfaction as a result of the media; however females were shown to be more influenced by media than males. Author keywords: Body image, body satisfaction, body esteem, media