Date of Award
6-2010
Document Type
Union College Only
Degree Name
Bachelor of Science
Department
Psychology
First Advisor
Kenneth DeBono
Language
English
Keywords
self-monitoring, media, image, advertisements, products
Abstract
The present study assessed the impact ultra thin models in the media have on women’s mood and the difference in vulnerability to the thin ideal based on personality type. A sample of 80 female undergraduates were assessed on levels of self-monitoring and were then randomly assigned to one of three conditions. Subjects in the first condition were exposed to 13 advertisements containing ultra thin models. Subjects in the second condition were exposed to the same 13 advertisements containing the same models of a heavier weight. Those in the third condition were exposed to the same 13 advertisements exhibiting only the product/brand. Mood was assessed immediately after exposure using a 46 item mood adjective checklist. An additional recall survey was given to the subjects to remain consistent with the cover story. Results showed that there was a significant difference in mood depending on condition. Subjects exposed to the thin ideal had the lowest mean score in the happy factor, and highest mean score in the annoyed factor. There was no difference, however, in the mood scores of high and low self-monitors across any of the three conditions. Thus, the overall findings show that exposure to the thin ideal causes a decrease in women’s mood, and neither high nor low self-monitors appear more or less vulnerable to the thin ideal.
Recommended Citation
Ryan, Elizabeth C., "Impact of the thin ideal : the thin idealized female image in the media impacts women’s mood" (2010). Honors Theses. 1216.
https://digitalworks.union.edu/theses/1216