Date of Conferral

2022

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Psychology

Advisor

Maxwell V. Rainforth

Abstract

Exposure to thin images in mass media is associated with body image dissatisfaction and eating disorders. However, there is insufficient information on the effect of the media on body image discrepancy among African American women. The purpose of this quantitative correlational study was to investigate the role of media exposure, including Facebook, in body image discrepancy among African American women. Self-discrepancy theory, the self-objectification theory, and the social comparison theory helped to guide this study. Two hundred and twenty-four African American women ages 18-29 years residing in the United States were surveyed through convenience sampling and multiple regression and descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data. Body image discrepancy was measured using the Stunkard Figure Rating Scale. Media exposure was assessed using the Mass Media Subscale of the Sociocultural Attitudes Towards Appearance Questionnaire. Facebook use was measured with the Multidimensional Intensity Scale. Findings showed a statistically significant relationship between the level of exposure to mass media and the level of body image discrepancy among African American female adults but body mass index did not serve as a statistically significant moderator of the relationship between level of social media use and body image discrepancy. Results of this study demonstrate the need of positive social change by health care professionals to be more aware of cultural barriers when addressing the role of the media in body image discrepancy among African American women.

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