Comparing Perception and Reality: A Mixed-Methodological Approach Comparing Women's Perception of the Female Body Image to Magazine Portrayal of Body Image.

摘要

Research indicates that the representation of the female body image in the media is a skewed one, and images of women in the media inaccurately reflect the general population. To help examine this misrepresentation, two theories were used to explore this further---Social Comparison Theory and Agenda Setting Theory.;This study was designed to answer: How do women's perceptions of the female body image compare to the media's representation of the female body image? A mixed-methodological approach was taken where nine interviews were conducted with women. After that, a content analysis of 20 magazine covers was performed.;Results of this study showed that women's perceptions of the female body image were similar to the media's presentation of the female body image. Certain physical characteristics were identified, and it was found that women compare themselves to magazine cover models, regardless of whether or not they could achieve a similar look.