Strike a pose: Immediate effects of a model-created social media literacy video on body image and mood.

Exposure to idealized social media imagery has been shown to be detrimental to body image among young women, and social media literacy may be protective. This mixed methods study aimed to evaluate the effects of an online video narrated by a high-profile, plus-size model on the body image and negative mood of young women and predictors of the effects. A sample of 304 young women, average age 20.95 (SD = 2.09) years, completed an online survey including pre- and post-exposure measures of state body image and negative mood, and trait measures of upward social media appearance comparison, thin-ideal internalization, and selfie-investment. A subset (n = 148) responded to open-ended questions to obtain feedback on the video coded categorically and through thematic analysis. Findings revealed immediate improvements in state body satisfaction and negative mood, with higher levels of trait appearance comparison and selfie investment associated with smaller effects of the video. Participants endorsed the video as raising awareness of unrealistic images but limited in terms of mitigating appearance comparison and selfie-investment. Furthermore, participants described that Iskra's status as a professional model also influenced their reactions. These findings highlight the importance of assessing for unintended paradoxical effects of social media literacy efforts and ensuring that such interventions are empirically based.

Experiences of embodiment during pregnancy and the postpartum period: A qualitative study.

Pregnancy and the postpartum period have been identified as times when women experience important changes in their physical bodies. Yet, little is known about the ways in which these experiences may be related to positive embodiment, or in contrast experienced as restricting and objectifying. Thus, the aim of this study was to qualitatively examine the way in which women experienced embodiment during the course of pregnancy and the postpartum period. Twenty women, mean age (SD)= 31.85, (2.3) years, 95 % White, participated in individual interviews and completed online surveys. Findings revealed that women described experiencing both aspects of positive embodiment including body connection and comfort, agency and functionality, attuned self-care, connection to appetite, and inhabiting the body as a subjective site. Findings also revealed negative aspects including body disconnection and discomfort, disrupted functionality, challenged self-care, appetite suppression, and the body as a public and objectified site. Findings highlight the potential for the pregnancy and postpartum periods to be important times for positive embodiment in women, and a source of appreciation of the body and its functionality. However, social pressures may also constrain embodiment during this period. These findings have implications for identifying pathways to positive embodiment in pregnancy and postpartum.

Sociocultural pressures and body related experiences during pregnancy and the postpartum period: A qualitative study.

Sociocultural pressures to pursue unrealistic appearance expectations and control body shape and weight during pregnancy and postpartum periods have been increasing. Little is known about messages from different sources that may constitute unhelpful or protective influences. The aim of this study was to qualitatively examine messages women received from the sociocultural environment during pregnancy and postpartum and their association with experiences of living in their bodies and body change behaviors. Twenty women, mean age (SD)= 31.85, (2.3) years, 95% White, 60% with a Master's degree or higher, participated in individual interviews and completed online surveys. Women described appearance pressure from multiple sources during and after pregnancy, that increased their concerns related to their weight and shape. For a small number, these concerns were associated with efforts to control weight. Others described protective influences from friends and family that promoted body attunement, functionality appreciation, and positive body image. Findings highlight the importance of sociocultural influences during the peripregnancy period yet how many women derive elements of positive body image from this period. These findings have implications for interventions to support body image among women during the peripregnancy period and positive outcomes among mothers and infants.

In the eye of the swiper: a preliminary analysis of the relationship between dating app use and dimensions of body image.

BACKGROUND: Dating apps are largely visual platforms and based on evaluations of the attractiveness of users. Thus, engaging with this type of social media may be associated with body image concerns. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to explore the relationship between dating app use and body image. METHODS: College students (n = 170, 50% females) reported on dating app use, as well as body shame, surveillance, body satisfaction, media ideal internalization, and controllability beliefs related to weight/shape. RESULTS: Among males, frequent checking of dating apps was positively correlated with body shame and negatively with beliefs regarding weight/shape controllability. Media internalization was negatively correlated with experiencing negative feelings when using dating apps, and positively with positive feelings. Few associations emerged among females. CONCLUSION: Dating app use seems most tightly associated with body image concerns among males. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level V, cross-sectional descriptive study.

Making gains: Hypermuscularity and objectification of male and female Olympic athletes in Sports Illustrated across 60 years.

Female athletes have disproportionately lacked media coverage. The depictions that do exist have typically been sexualized, which has been described as trivializing their accomplishments. It is unclear, however, to what extent the gender differences in the amount and types of media representations of athletes are evolving with time. In addition, trends in increasing muscularity in media depictions of athletes have not been examined. The aims of this study were therefore to examine gender differences in levels of muscularity and gendered and objectified portrayals of summer Olympic athletes (N = 78) depicted on the covers of Sports Illustrated over the last 60 years. Findings from this content analysis suggested that while female athletes are achieving greater media representation, significant gender differences still exist, with female athletes more likely to be depicted in sexually objectified ways. Findings also revealed that athletic bodies portrayed in the media have progressively become more muscular. Further efforts to close the gender gaps in depictions of athletes in the media are warranted.

Stereotypes of physical attractiveness and social influences: The heritage and vision of Dr. Thomas Cash.

Dr. Thomas Cash conducted seminal work on the beliefs and stereotypes related to attractiveness as well as their impact, and their transmission through cultural and interpersonal processes. This initial work has inspired and given rise to an important body of research significantly increasing our understanding of these processes. Here we review the initial contributions and research directions set up by Dr. Cash, as well as the main findings of the research that has built on his foundations. Specifically, we review findings related to the existence of attractiveness stereotypes and appearance ideals, research examining the social and interpersonal impacts of such stereotypes, and finally the sociocultural transmission of these beliefs. Future directions related to the extension of our understanding to appearance characteristics beyond shape and weight, as well as increased focus on minority identities and their intersection, are proposed.