The debate surrounding super-thin models appearing in fashion magazines and other publications and their impact on body image in general has been around for years. Experts believe that the way slim women are depicted as the ideal women is affecting body image and putting unnecessary pressure onto other women.
A recent study, however, proves that theory conclusively. In a study conducted by Jean-Luc Jucker of the University of Neuchatel, exposure to images of thin women greatly alters the research subjects’ body image.
Conclusive Proof
As mentioned earlier, experts have believed that constant exposure to images of thin women – those perceived as the ideal women – are affecting the self-esteem of most women in society. This isn’t just happening in the United States, and its impact extends beyond the shape of women’s bodies too. Women in South-East Asia are suffering from the same effect with the color of their skin.
Dr Jucker conducted his research in rural villages near Mosquito Coast in Nicaragua. People living in these villages had limited access to electricity, which means they were not exposed to TV and the internet. 80 people were included in the study and the research began with each of them being asked to create the perfect body shape for a woman using computer software.
After the initial inputs were captured, the volunteers – men and women aged between 16 and 78 – were then asked to view images of models. They were divided into two groups, with one group exposed to a fashion catalogue with size 4 and 6 models, and the other group exposed to a catalogue of plus-size models.
After only 15 minutes, the first group created their ideal women’s bodies that were thinner than their initial input, while the second altered their ideal women’s bodies to be bigger. The exposure was short, but the impacts were as significant and conclusively seen as ever.
The Bigger Picture
Dr Jucker’s research is alarming in a number of ways. For starters, it is clear that 15 minutes of exposure had such a big impact on the research participants. One can only imagine the impact of being constantly exposed to images of beauty and the media’s perception of ideal women’s bodies.
The research also didn’t take into account how long the impact of exposure lasted, but there was a clear sign of a changing body image caused by exposure to images in the media. The depiction of super-thin models in fashion magazines, ‘ideal’ women on social media, and other similar forms are clearly one of the main reasons why so many women are having self-esteem problems and a bad body image.
It is also worth noting that major media companies are still using the same definition of ideal women in their publications. There is even a worrying trend of models showing the lines of their ribcages in an attempt to appear as thin as possible. Things need to change.
Society Fights Back
On a more positive note, there are more movements supporting positive body image and higher self-confidence than ever before. Celebrities and social media influencers are speaking out against pressuring women to be extremely thin to appear attractive. In fact, the number of women who are comfortable with their body image is growing, albeit at a relatively slow rate.
Other industries, including the fashion industry, are supporting this change too. You can now shop for a plus size tankini and gorgeous dresses without having to make compromises. Women no longer have to suffer just to fit into a dress that is two sizes too small for them. It is now more important to maintain a healthy lifestyle than to fruitlessly chase after artificial beauty.
These changes are not just affecting the physical appearance and body image of women in today’s world, but also their self-confidence and – ultimately – their performance in many fields. Women who are confident about themselves are more likely to perform well at work and at school. Once you stop worrying about looking like a fashion model, you have more energy to accomplish things in life.
Keep in mind that body image is what you think about yourself, and not what others think about you. The latter can still be a challenge, especially online and on social media sites. Still, maintaining a positive body image is the first step towards achieving more as women. Dr Jucker’s study is proof that the images you see every day can alter your body image. The good news is: you can limit the effects and feel very positive about yourself regardless of what the media says.