The glass of fashion and the mould of form: the role of media influence upon adolescent body image

Abstract

Body image is a subjective perception of how one feels about one's body. The rise of body image dissatisfaction and disordered eating in Western society in the past thirty years has prompted researchers, clinicians, and social critics alike, to assess the issues and possible casual mechanisms involved in this widespread malaise. The culpability of the media has often been alleged, although empirical research is scant. The purpose of this study was to examine, qualitatively, the experiences and meaning of body image to fifteen adolescent females, and furthermore, to assess the role of the media in their perceptions. The results indicate that the relationship between the media and body image is complex, and inextricably woven to the local context of the individuals. Interactive processes between the participants, their peer groups, family and other cultural entities appear to affect both the power of media messages and the young women's body image. Thus, indirect media influence appears to be authoritative in both the development of, and fluctuations within, female adolescent body image. The results of this study indicate the importance of studying media influences upon body image in the context of one's local environment, and examining the role of interactive processes in the transmission of cultural values.