Changes in anti-fat weight bias in women after exposure to thin and plus-sized models. Issue 2 (1st June 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Smirles, Kimberly Eretzian; Lin, Linda
• Is Part Of: Social science journal. Volume 55:Issue 2(2018)
• Page Start: 193
• Page End: 197
• Publication Date: 2018-06-01
• Subjects: Media -- Anti-fat bias -- Stereotyping -- Advertising; Social sciences -- Periodicals; 300.5
• DOI: 10.1016/j.soscij.2018.02.002
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0362-3319

Abstract

Abstract: We examined whether exposing women to female models with different body sizes lead to changes in weight-based attitudes and whether evaluation focus altered the effects. Female college students (N = 214) were exposed to 22 images of either thin or overweight models. Participants rated models on either appearance or non-appearance characteristics and completed measures of anti-fat attitudes, thin ideal internalization, and demographics. Participants rated thin and overweight models equally attractive and sexy. Viewing overweight models showed a significant reduction in anti-fat attitudes. There were no effects for thin models or evaluation ratings. Discussion focuses on the implications of positive images of overweight individuals on social attitudes.