Exploring the Impact of Heterogeneous Body Image Themes in Entertainment Fiction Narratives Among Youth: Attention to Interpretation

Résumé fourni par la source

Youth today are exposed to a variety of body image themes in entertainment fiction narratives, including both positive (e.g. characters expressing body acceptance) and negative themes (e.g. promotion of unrealistic body ideals). However, the impact of heterogeneous body image themes in narratives (i.e. those including both positive and negative body image themes) remains unclear. This study explored how youth interpret such narratives and how their interpretations affect state body image (e.g. state body satisfaction). Using a between-subjects survey experiment, 302 participants (16–30 years old, Mage = 21.90, SD = 4.25, 76.5% girls/women) were randomly assigned to view video clips with exclusively positive, exclusively negative, heterogeneous, or no body image themes. Exposure to positive body image themes led to the formation of positive interpretations, which in turn increased body satisfaction. Conversely, exposure to negative body image themes resulted in negative interpretations, but also unexpectedly triggered positive interpretations. The latter contributed to increased body satisfaction. For heterogeneous body image narratives, both positive and negative interpretations emerged, with positive interpretations relating to higher body satisfaction. However, this indirect effect was observed only among female participants. Overall, these findings highlight the need for further research into how heterogeneous body image content influences youth’s body image.

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