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University of Chicago Press Journals
February 13, 2006Exposure to thin models does not necessarily have a negative impact
Waifish models have long been accused of setting unrealistic beauty standards and lowering self-esteem. Some companies, such as Dove, have switched to using more realistic-looking models in conjunction with empowering messages. However, an important new study in the March 2006 issue of the Journal of Consumer Research reveals that, contrary to many assumptions, looking at moderately heavy models actually lowers most women's self-esteem, while looking at moderately thin models raises it.
"We demonstrated that exposure to thin models does not necessarily have a negative impact on one's self-esteem," explain Dirk Smeesters (Tilburg University) and Naomi Mandel (Arizona State University). "On the contrary, exposure to moderately thin (but not extremely thin) models has a positive impact on one's self-esteem."
In the first part of the study, participants selected four representative models in each category - extremely thin, moderately thin, moderately heavy, and extremely heavy - from a larger sample of images. These images were then shown to randomly chosen women in conjunction with a "lexical decision trial" - that is, the participants were timed as they responded to words related to thinness and heaviness.
Looking at moderately thin or extremely heavy models led to an increase in self-perception of thinness and an increase in self-esteem. By contrast, seeing extremely thin or moderately heavy models focused women's thoughts on how heavy they felt.
These results shed light on why magazines featuring only plus-sized models don't have the success of the magazine that feature slim models: "campaigns featuring moderately heavy 'real women' might not be as inspirational (or effective) as expected," conclude Smeesters and Mandel.
University of Chicago Press Journals
In the first part of the study, participants selected four representative models in each category - extremely thin, moderately thin, moderately heavy, and extremely heavy - from a larger sample of images. These images were then shown to randomly chosen women in conjunction with a "lexical decision trial" - that is, the participants were timed as they responded to words related to thinness and heaviness.
Looking at moderately thin or extremely heavy models led to an increase in self-perception of thinness and an increase in self-esteem. By contrast, seeing extremely thin or moderately heavy models focused women's thoughts on how heavy they felt.
These results shed light on why magazines featuring only plus-sized models don't have the success of the magazine that feature slim models: "campaigns featuring moderately heavy 'real women' might not be as inspirational (or effective) as expected," conclude Smeesters and Mandel.
University of Chicago Press Journals
Self-esteem Current Events and Self-esteem News RSSEthnic pride may boost African-American teens' mental health
Most adolescents who belong to an ethnic minority group wrestle not only with their self-esteem (like most teens), but also with identity issues unique to their ethnic group, such as dealing with social stigma. A new study tells us that young people's ethnic pride may affect their mental health.
New study reveals handwriting is real problem for children with autism
Handwriting skills are crucial for success in school, communication, and building children's self-esteem.
First impressions count when making personality judgments, new research shows
First impressions do matter when it comes to communicating personality through appearance, according to new research by psychologists Laura Naumann of Sonoma State University and Sam Gosling of The University of Texas at Austin.
American Dietetic Association Releases Updated Position Paper Promoting and Supporting Breastfeeding
The American Dietetic Association has released an updated position paper on breastfeeding that details health benefits for both infants and mothers and encourages promotion of breastfeeding whenever possible.
Weight Training Boosts Breast Cancer Survivors' Body Image and Satisfaction with Intimate Relationships, Penn Study Shows
In addition to building muscle, weightlifting is also a prescription for self-esteem among breast cancer survivors, according to new University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine research.
Childhood risk factors for developing substance dependence
There is ample evidence for the genetic influence of alcohol dependence, and ongoing studies are actively looking for specific genes that may confer this increased susceptibility.
How does media exposure affect self-esteem in overweight and underweight women?
Overweight women's self-esteem plummets when they view photographs of models of any size, according to a new study in Journal of Consumer Research. And underweight women's esteem increases, regardless of models' size.
Social background weighs heavily on teenage diet
Teenagers' attitudes to diet and weight are shaped by their social class, according to new research funded by the Economic and Social Research Council.
Teacher support is key to self-esteem for Chinese and US youth
As children go back to school this fall, a new cross-cultural study finds that for both Chinese and American middle schoolers, students who feel supported by their teachers tend to have higher self-esteem, and those who don't feel supported by fellow students are more likely to be depressed.
Mothers with postpartum depression with suicidal thoughts and their infant interactions
The joys of motherhood for many women can also lead other new moms to experience postpartum depression and even worse - ideas for committing suicide.
More Self-esteem Current Events and Self-esteem News Articles
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Self-Esteem: A Proven Program of Cognitive Techniques for Assessing, Improving, and Maintaining Your Self-Esteem by Matthew McKay (Author), Patrick Fanning (Author) Since its first publication in 1987, Self-Esteem has become the first choice of therapists and savvy readers looking for a comprehensive, self-care approach to improving self-image, increasing personal power, and defining core values. More than 600,000 copies of this book have helped literally millions of readers feel better about themselves, achieve greater success, and enjoy their lives to the fullest. You can do it, too! By using these books - Self-Esteem Companion, Self-esteem Guided Journal and Self _esteem, 3rd edition - as a set, you’ll be able to customize your self-esteem work with exercises and writing projects that reinforce and support the ideas in the original book. |
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The Self-Esteem Workbook by Glenn R. Schiraldi (Author) A host of dysfunctional and self-destructive patterns arise at minor and acute levels if an individual dislikes him- or herself. Despite the importance of self-esteem, surprisingly little attention has been focused on building it directly, until now. Designed in an easy-to-use format, The Self-Esteem Workbook presents a course in self-esteem based on new research and sound principles. Checklists, fill-ins, and exercises show readers how thoughts, emotions, physical health, and behavior impact their self-esteem. Periodic checkups help them gauge their progress, and final sections offer strategies for preventing relapse. |
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The Self-esteem Companion: Simple Exercises to Help You Challenge Your Inner Critic & Celebrate Your Personal Strengths by Patrick Fanning (Author), Carole Honeychurch (Author), Catharine Sutker (Author), Matthew McKay (Editor) This book is designed to work together with our bestseller Self-Esteem. It develops many of the most powerful techniques from the original book into sixty easy-to-learn and fun-to-do exercises that build and maintain a healthy self-image. This repackaged edition features a new preface by author Matthew McKay and an eye-catching new package. You’ll be able to customize a personal self-esteem-building program using any combination of the original book, the sixty exercises in this companion, and the fast and effective ten-week writing project in the guided journal. The end result: lasting improvement in the way they view themselves, as well as greater happiness, success, and peace of mind. |
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Healing Your Emotional Self: A Powerful Program to Help You Raise Your Self-Esteem, Quiet Your Inner Critic, and Overcome Your Shame by Beverly Engel (Author) Healing Your Emotional Self "Emotionally abusive parents are indeed toxic parents, and they cause significant damage to their children's self-esteem, self-image, and body image. In this remarkable book, Beverly Engel shares her powerful Mirror Therapy program for helping adult survivors to overcome their shame and self-criticism, become more compassionate and accepting of themselves, and create a more posititve self-image. I strongly recommend it for anyone who was abused or neglected as a child." --Susan Forward, Ph.D., author of Toxic Parents "In this book, Beverly Engel documents the wide range of psychological abuses that so many children experience in growing up. Her case examples and personal accounts are poignant and powerful reminders that as... |
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Breaking the Chain of Low Self-Esteem by Marilyn Sorensen (Author) This is the revised edition of the popular BREAKING THE CHAIN OF LOW SELF-ESTEEM, viewed by many as the Bible of Self-Esteem. The book includes the Sorensen Self-Esteem Test, exercises, and an index. Readers love this easy-to-read book and many have declared it to be the best self-help book they've ever read. Other say it has completely changed their lives. Professionals say it contains startling new insights into low self-esteem. SEL023000 |
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The Self-Esteem Guided Journal: A Ten Week Program (New Harbinger Guided Journal) by Matthew McKay (Author), Catharine Sutker (Author) Since its publication in 1987, Self-Esteem by Matthew McKay and Patrick Fanning has set the standard for self-help books that seek to improve self-esteem. With more than 600,000 copies sold through its three editions, Self-Esteem has helped hundreds of thousands of readers learn to think more positively about themselves, bringing them greater happiness, success, and peace of mind. But Self-Esteem is more than just one book. The Self-Esteem Companion, published in 1999, distilled the best techniques of the original book into sixty simple exercises that readers could learn and use when and wherever they went. Now, the people who brought you Self-Esteem and The Self-Esteem Companion have once again adapted the inspiring techniques from the original book into a new and exciting... |
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Ten Days to Self-Esteem by David D. Burns (Author) Do you wake up dreading the day? If so, you will benefit from this revolutionary way of brightening your moods without drugs or lengthy therapy. All you need is your own common sense and the easy-to-follow methods revealed in this book by one of the country's foremost authorities on mood and personal relationship problems. In Ten Days to Self-esteem, Dr. David Burns presents innovative, clear, and compassionate methods that will help you identify the causes of your mood slumps and develop a more positive outlook on life. You will learn that You FEEL the way you THINK: Negative feelings like guilt, anger, and depression do not... |
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The Six Pillars of Self-Esteem by Nathaniel Branden (Author) Nathaniel Branden's book is the culmination of a lifetime of clinical practice and study, already hailed in its hardcover edition as a classic and the most significant work on the topic. Immense in scope and vision and filled with insight into human motivation and behavior, The Six Pillars Of Self-Esteem is essential reading for anyone with a personal or professional interest in self-esteem. The book demonstrates compellingly why self-esteem is basic to psychological health, achievement, personal happiness, and positive relationships. Branden introduces the six pillars-six action-based practices for daily living that provide the foundation for self-esteem-and explores the central importance of self-esteem in five areas: the workplace, parenting, education, psychotherapy, and the culture... |
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The Courage to Be Yourself: A Woman's Guide to Emotional Strength and Self-Esteem by Sue Patton Thoele (Author) Sue Patton Thoele continues her quest to help readers enhance their self-esteem and tap into their core emotional strength. Geared to women who too often find themselves meeting the wants of others at the expense of their own needs, the book provides necessary tools to help readers transform their fears into the courage to express their own authentic selves. By sharing her own journey and the journey of other women, Thoele helps readers learn to set boundaries, change self-defeating behavior patterns, communicate effectively, and become a loving and tolerant friend to themselves. This tenth-anniversary edition contains 30 percent new material, including a new introduction. |
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How to Raise Your Self-Esteem: The Proven Action-Oriented Approach to Greater Self-Respect and Self-Confidence by Nathaniel Branden (Author) Comforting and optimistic, this important self-help book is filled with step-by-step techniques for developing and strengthening feelings of self-worth. Shows readers how they can raise self-confidence, self-esteem, and commit themselves to happier, healthier lives. First time in mass market. |
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