Angela Gwathney

Date Approved

6-26-2014

Embargo Period

3-3-2020

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

M.A. School Psychology-Professional School Psychology

Department

Psychology

College

College of Science & Mathematics

Advisor

Dihoff, Roberta

Subject(s)

Body image; Stereotypes (Social psychology) in mass media

Disciplines

Student Counseling and Personnel Services

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine whether or not undergraduate students allow societal stereotypes within the media to affect their self-image. Existing literature will be reviewed to show influential factors within previous studies that affect people's self-image. Relevant data extracted from the literature review will then be examined and discussed to show the existing relationship between media and self-image. Data was then collected through a Sociocultural Attitudes Towards Appearance Scale-3 (SATAQ-3), a questionnaire developed by Thompson & Heinberg. In examining the independent sample t-test no significant difference was found between the experimental and nonexperimental group. Correlational analyses did show significant correlations amongst the four subscales, as well as within one of the survey questions on the SATAQ-3. A One Way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was also performed and revealed that score differed significantly amongst the four subscales within the SATAQ-3. Explanations of these results are discussed later within the limitations. Ways to improve further research when examining the media and self-image is also discussed.

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