Effect of digital alteration information and disclaimer labels attached to fashion magazine advertisements on women's body dissatisfaction. (September 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Tiggemann, Marika; Brown, Zoe; Anderberg, Isabella
• Is Part Of: Body image. Volume 30(2019)
• Page Start: 221
• Page End: 227
• Publication Date: 2019-09
• Subjects: Media -- Disclaimer label -- Digital alteration -- Body dissatisfaction -- Social comparison -- Fashion magazines; Body image -- Periodicals; Body image -- Research -- Periodicals; Body Image -- Periodicals; 306.4613
• DOI: 10.1016/j.bodyim.2019.07.008
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1740-1445

Abstract

Highlights: Disclaimer labels on fashion magazine images do not protect body image. Prior information does not enhance the effectiveness of disclaimer labels. Reading digital alteration information leads to increased body dissatisfaction. Abstract: The present study aimed to investigate whether the provision of prior information about digital alteration would enhance the effectiveness of disclaimer labels attached to fashion images in protecting against body dissatisfaction. Participants were 363 female undergraduate students who viewed fashion magazine advertisements with either no label or a digital alteration disclaimer label. Prior to viewing the advertisements, participants read one of three news stories containing digital alteration information that focused on either the unrealistic nature of the images or on social comparison, or a control news story (on magazine circulation figures). Irrespective of the preceding information, disclaimer labels offered no benefit for body satisfaction. However, reading the news articles containing information about digital alteration led to higher levels of body dissatisfaction than reading the control article. It was concluded that information in the form of news stories or disclaimer labels cannot be assumed to be useful or to offer positive benefit. Accordingly, more extensive and thorough evaluation is required and policy makers might better direct their attention to other forms of cost-effective universal intervention.