Individual Submission Summary
Share...

Direct link:

The Effect of Media on Body Image in Pregnant and Postpartum Women

Sat, May 27, 11:00 to 12:15, Hilton San Diego Bayfront, Floor: 2, Indigo 204B

Abstract

Much research has found that exposure to certain types of media portrayals of women, including the thin-ideal or sexually objectifying portrayals, can be related to body image concerns among women. The current paper focuses on pregnant and postpartum women; these women are rarely examined in a media research context but are particularly vulnerable to body image concerns. Accordingly, the current study consisted of an experiment that examined the influence of the media on body image in pregnant and postpartum women. The study involved 192 pregnant or postpartum women who read a magazine containing glamorized media portrayals of pregnant/postpartum women or a control magazine. Pregnant women reported lower body image after only five minutes of exposure to the magazine with pregnant/postpartum women compared to the control group. There was no immediate effect on postpartum women. Implications for the media industry, health professionals, and pregnant and postpartum women are discussed.

Authors