Magazine influence on body dissatisfaction: Fashion vs. health?

• Main Author: Paulina Swiatkowski
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Taylor & Francis Group 2016-12-01
• Series: Cogent Social Sciences
• Subjects: body dissatisfaction; internalization; sataq; sociocultural theory; magazine consumption; media effects; health; psychology; self-esteem; psychological health
• Online Access: http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/23311886.2016.1250702

Fashion magazines have been shown to have a negative relationship with body dissatisfaction and psychological health, while the effects of health magazines on body dissatisfaction and psychological health have mainly been studied with men. However, because of gender differences, health magazine consumption effects on men cannot be applied equally to women. Therefore, the present study uses sociocultural theory to study health magazine and possible similarities to fashion magazine effects on women’s body dissatisfaction and drive for thinness. Sociocultural attitude toward appearance is then explored as a mediator and potential moderator in the established relationship between magazine consumption and psychological health, defined in this study as drive for thinness and body dissatisfaction. The sample of 230 college-age women completed a cross-sectional survey online. Results suggest differences between health and fashion magazines in their effects on body dissatisfaction. The results and their implications are discussed.