Research spotlight: The effects of body positive quotes

Research by PhD researcher Jenna Taylor, Dr Sarah Rose and Dr Alison Owen into the effects of viewing body positive quotes on body satisfaction, appreciation and self-objectification.

 

Objective

The objective of this research was to investigate the effects of viewing body positive quotes on body satisfaction, body appreciation and self-objectification, in comparison with viewing body positive images or neutral stimulus amongst young women.

 

Method

A total of 179 participants took part in this current research, all of whom identified as female, aged 18–30. Participants were randomly assigned to view body positive images (and captions), body positive quotes or neutral stimulus (nature scenes) and completed pre- and post-measurements of body satisfaction, body appreciation and self-objectification.

 

Findings

Results found that post-exposure state body satisfaction significantly increased in all groups, although there was not a significant difference in the magnitude of the increase between those who viewed body positive images, quotes or neutral stimulus. There was a significant increase in body appreciation post exposure, and participants exposed to body positive images or quotes had a significant increase in body appreciation post exposure, with increases significantly higher than those exposed to neutral content. Lastly, results suggest that no significant differences were ascertained in post-exposure self-objectification between those who viewed body positive images, quotes or neutral stimulus. Interpretations and implications are discussed.

 

This article is republished under a Creative Commons license. Read the full research article: Effects of viewing body positive quotes on body satisfaction, appreciation and self-objectification

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