The Media's Portrayal of the Exceptionally-Fit Body and the Increase of Body Image Concerns within College Age Individuals

The media creates a stereotype of what is considered culturally attractive. The portrayal of the exceptionally-fit body is often of bodies that are extremely difficult to develop and are often unattainable (Homan, McHugh, Wells, Watson and King, 2012). College age males and females are the first generation that is saturated by images of the exceptionally-fit body (Readdy, Watkins, & Cardinal, 2011). For individuals who internalize this stereotype, body image concerns and health risks are probable . The purpose of this study was to examine to what extent does the media’s portrayal of the exceptionally-fit body cause increases in body image concerns and body dissatisfaction in both college age males and females, as well as to examine how these increases influence the development of characteristics associated with muscle dysmorphia. 74 subjects (males= 36, females= 38), were given a questionnaire packet which included a demographic questionnaire, SATAQ-3, BCS, MDI, DMS and OEQ. Subjects were recruited from gyms in southern California. Results showed that higher levels of internalization of the physically attractive stereotype from the media were associated with higher levels of body image concerns. The media influences both college age males and females equally, but females experience more pressure to attain the ideal body portrayed in the media. Results also showed that females desire to be thin, but also possess a drive for muscularity to a moderate degree. Characteristics of muscle dysmorphia can exist within females, but only to a minute degree. Body comparison was found to be a common practice between males and females. The findings in this study suggest that the growth and popularity of social media should be an area of interest for future research done on body image concerns.