Influence of Appearance-Related TV commercials on Body Image State-Chelsea

In the article "Influence of Appearance-Related TV commercials on Body Image State" it talks about a study that was performed that investigated the influence of media exposure on body image state in eating disorder patients. " The results of the study suggest that media exposure acts as a stimulus that triggers body related schemas. Partial support is given to cognitive behavioral models of eating disorders, which postulate an association between cognitive bias, body image disturbances, and compensatory behavioral consequences,"

Eating disorders have reached epidemic levels in America. Current statistics show that seven million women and one million men currently suffer with an eating disorder and that of these, 86% report an onset of the illness by the age of twenty, according to the National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders. These statistics are heartbreaking and just prove that our society needs to be realistic when it comes to image. What kind of message do we send young girls and boys? Through Television and Magazines we need to have more positive role models that help the public realize to be happy in your own skin instead of basing their judgments off of retouched images.

Citation: Legenbauer, Tanja , and Silja Vocks. "Influence of Appearance- Related TV Commercials in Body Image State ." Behavior Modification (05/2008): 26. Web. 8 Dec 2009. .