Body Image and The Media

Body Image and the Media
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Institutional Affiliation
Thesis Statement
Researchers have proved that the idealized thin image of models as depicted in the media imagery has disastrous effects such as low self-esteem, depression, and developing of poor eating habits. However, scholars and researchers alike have hypothesized that improving media literacy, use of average body size models, and education on the myths and realities of media representation will serve an edge towards reversing negative body image status in both men and women.
Diedrichs, P. C., & Lee, C. (2011). Waif goodbye! Average-size female models promote positive body image and appeal to consumers. Psychology & Health, 26(10), 1273-1291. doi:10.1080/08870446.2010.515308
This article is well-organized to meet the standard of a primary research article. The authors hypothesize that exposing women and men to media imagery constituting of average-size models is likely to improve their body image state than the current idealized perfect thin models. To investigate their claim, the authors start by an in-depth review of the available literature that has investigated a similar claim (average size model research) and with a focus on the United Kingdom (UK). The authors then conduct primary research on a sample of 291Australians aged 17-25 years-this age range is very relevant. This primary research is reliable since it is conducted with regard to the Human Research Ethics Committee. Furthermore, the us…