Experimental research on non-idealized models: A systematic literature review.

Current literature on non-idealized models seems to offer mixed evidence on whether such models generate a positive body image and increase advertising effectiveness. To closely investigate this claim, we conducted a systematic review to summarize the empirical findings on the effects of non-idealized models on body image, well-being, and advertising outcomes among men and women. To contextualize these results, we also synthesized (1) the conceptualization of a non-idealized body size (i.e., labelling and operationalization), (2) the message accompanying the model (i.e., medium type and marketing intent), and (3) individual traits of participants tested as potential moderators. Three databases in different disciplines (i.e., ProQuest Psychology, Communication and Mass Media Complete, and Web of Science) were searched, and 86 unique studies were included in the review. While most studies found positive or null effects of non-idealized models on body image, well-being, and advertising outcomes, a small number of studies obtained negative results. These inconsistent findings could be explained by the large variety of labels and unclear operationalizations identified within our review. The conclusions of this review call for a clearer definition and measurement of non-idealized models.

Intercultural insights on the impact of different non-idealized models on men's body image and advertising perceptions.

This experiment with 363 Irish and Flemish men aged 19 to 30 years (M = 23.56, SD = 2.36) investigated exposure to different male model ads (i.e. muscular, slim, plus-size, overall diversity, and no models) on well-being (i.e. body image, low body fat and muscularity attitudes, self-objectification, and self-esteem) and advertising outcomes (i.e. ad attitudes, brand attitudes, and purchase intent). Moderation effects of country and masculinity (i.e. dominance, winning) were investigated. The diversity condition generated more positive effects for low body fat attitudes than the muscular, slim, and no model conditions. Yet, no differences appeared for this outcome between the diversity and plus-size condition. No effects for the other well-being and advertising variables were found. Moderation analyses revealed higher purchase intent in the slim condition for men high in dominance. No effects were found for country and winning. Findings suggest that non-idealized models have protective effects for some men.

#BeautyInspo: Unraveling the Relationships Between Nonidealized Content on Different Media Platforms, Inspiration, and a Broad Conceptualization of Beauty.

The current literature on nonidealized media content (i.e., content that presents media models that do not follow traditional beauty standards) rarely includes novel positive body image outcomes, such as a broad conceptualization of beauty. Moreover, little is known about more positively oriented explanatory mechanisms, such as inspiration (i.e., feeling inspired by media to adopt a broader inner conception of beauty). Therefore, the current cross-sectional survey study among 458 women aged 19-30 years old (M = 22.76, SD = 2.64) investigated the links between exposure to nonidealized content on different media platforms, inspiration, and a broad conceptualization of beauty. Conditional process analysis, using Hayes' PROCESS tool, was performed. Our results indicated that exposure to nonidealized content through Instagram posts of influencers/celebrities as well as magazine articles was positively linked to women's broader conceptualization of beauty. Inspiration was also found to be a significant mediator in these relationships. Moreover, inspiration was found to fully mediate the relationship between exposure to nonidealized content through companies' Instagram posts and a broad conceptualization of beauty. No relationships were found for exposure to nonidealized content through television series or movies. These results highlight how nonidealized media models can optimally empower media users, as well as how some media platforms might have a greater potential to fulfill this empowering role than others. The findings inform practitioners of the relevance of including nonidealized media content in intervention programs.

Framing real beauty: A framing approach to the effects of beauty advertisements on body image and advertising effectiveness.

Current literature is inconsistent about the effects of idealized (i.e., thin) vs. non-idealized (i.e., average or plus-size) models on young women's well-being. This inconsistency may be explained by different frames (i.e., passive body, active body, and subject) surrounding beauty ad models. The current experimental study among 568 women aged 18-30 years (M = 21.45, SD = 1.84) tested the effects of differently framed ads featuring idealized vs. non-idealized models on well-being and ad effectiveness while taking into account the mediating role of cognitive schemas and moderating role of thin-ideal internalization. Results showed that a passive body frame generated more appearance schemas compared to a subject frame. The effects of framing on body functionality schemas operated differently for idealized vs. non-idealized models. The passive body frame also induced inferior ad outcomes (i.e., lower attitudes to the advertisement and brand and lower purchase intent) compared to an active body frame. No other main framing effects nor moderating effects of thin-ideal internalization were found. These results for advertising outcomes can encourage beauty brands to stop using typical objectifying ads.