Cited by 2,053Eating Disorders and BehaviorsBody Image and Dysmorphia StudiesNutrition, Health and Food Behavior

The DOI matches its Crossref record; 167 of the 168 references it cites were found in a registry or an index.

The role of the media in body image concerns among women: A meta-analysis of experimental and correlational studies

Grabe, Shelly, Ward, L. Monique, Hyde, Janet Shibley·2008·Psychological Bulletin

Open this paper in CoChat — free account

Abstract

Research suggests that exposure to mass media depicting the thin-ideal body may be linked to body image disturbance in women. This meta-analysis examined experimental and correlational studies testing the links between media exposure to women's body dissatisfaction, internalization of the thin ideal, and eating behaviors and beliefs with a sample of 77 studies that yielded 141 effect sizes. The mean effect sizes were small to moderate (ds = -.28, -.39, and -.30, respectively). Effects for some outcome variables were moderated by publication year and study design. The findings support the notion that exposure to media images depicting the thin-ideal body is related to body image concerns for women.

Integrity signals

Registry

Crossref · 10.1037/0033-2909.134.3.460

Cites

167 of 167 references verified0 citation errors · 0 not checkable

Statistics

Recomputing p-values needs the paper’s full text.

Claims the paper makes

This paper’s full text isn’t openly available, so its claims and self-check weren’t run. The registry and citation checks still apply.

Claims other papers make about this one

Each is checked against this paper’s own text: does it say what the citing paper says it does?

Statistical power analysis for the behavioral sciences
Cohen, J. (1990) · Computers Environment and Urban Systems · doi:10.1016/0198-9715(90)90050-4 · Cited by 65,417
Statistical Power Analysis for the Behavioral Sciences (2nd ed.).
Lachenbruch, P. A., & Cohen, J. (1989) · Journal of the American Statistical Association · doi:10.2307/2290095 · Cited by 37,421
Untitled work
(2000) · Cited by 9,198
The file drawer problem and tolerance for null results.
Rosenthal, R. (1979) · Psychological Bulletin · doi:10.1037/0033-2909.86.3.638 · Cited by 9,068
Distribution Theory for Glass's Estimator of Effect Size and Related Estimators
Hedges, L. V. (1981) · Journal of Educational Statistics · doi:10.2307/1164588 · Cited by 5,695
The Eating Attitudes Test: psychometric features and clinical correlates
Garner, D. M., Olmsted, M., Bohr, Y., & Garfinkel, P. (1982) · Psychological Medicine · doi:10.1017/s0033291700049163 · Cited by 4,902
Fixed-and random-effects models in meta-analysis.
Hedges, L. V., & Vevea, J. L. (1998) · Psychological Methods · doi:10.1037/1082-989x.3.4.486 · Cited by 2,977
Body image: a handbook of theory, research, and clinical practice
(2003) · Choice Reviews Online · doi:10.5860/choice.40-3703 · Cited by 1,834
Use of the Danish Adoption Register for the study of obesity and thinness.
Stunkard, A. J., Sørensen, T. I. A., & D, F. S. M. (1983) · PubMed · Cited by 1,773
The effect of experimental presentation of thin media images on body satisfaction: A meta‐analytic review
Groesz, L. M., Levine, M. P., & Murnen, S. K. (2002) · International Journal of Eating Disorders · doi:10.1002/eat.10005 · Cited by 1,772

Show all 168 references

Sorted by citations

Items 101–200 of 1,002

Does the Internet function like magazines? An exploration of image-focused media, eating pathology, and body dissatisfaction
Bair, C. E., Kelly, N. R., Serdar, K., & Mazzeo, S. E. (2012) · Eating Behaviors · doi:10.1016/j.eatbeh.2012.06.003 · Cited by 164
Social comparisons on social media: online appearance-related activity and body dissatisfaction in adolescent girls
Scully, M., Swords, L., & Nixon, E. (2023) · Irish Journal of Psychological Medicine · doi:10.1017/ipm.2020.93 · Cited by 156
“While extensive research has examined the effect of more traditional forms of media, like magazines and TV (e.g. Grabe et al. 2008), less research has investigated how newer forms of media such as Internet-based social networking sites (SNSs) are impacting upon users’ appraisals of their body size…”
Background
When the Body Defines the Self: Self-Concept Clarity, Internalization, and Body Image
Vartanian, L. R. (2009) · Journal of Social and Clinical Psychology · doi:10.1521/jscp.2009.28.1.94 · Cited by 179
Skinny Is Not Enough: A Content Analysis of Fitspiration on Pinterest
Simpson, C. C., & Mazzeo, S. E. (2016) · Health Communication · doi:10.1080/10410236.2016.1140273 · Cited by 196
“You look great!”: The effect of viewing appearance-related Instagram comments on women’s body image
Tiggemann, M., & Barbato, I. (2018) · Body Image · doi:10.1016/j.bodyim.2018.08.009 · Cited by 198
Body dissatisfaction across cultures: Findings and research problems
Gattario, K. H., & Frisén, A. (2009) · European Eating Disorders Review · doi:10.1002/erv.965 · Cited by 176
A randomised-controlled trial investigating potential underlying mechanisms of a functionality-based approach to improving women’s body image
Alleva, J. M., Diedrichs, P. C., Halliwell, E., Martijn, C., Stuijfzand, B. G., Treneman‐Evans, G., & Rumsey, N. (2018) · Body Image · doi:10.1016/j.bodyim.2018.02.009 · Cited by 173
In Pursuit of Pleasure: A Biopsychosocial Perspective on Sexual Pleasure and Gender
Laan, E. T. M., Klein, V., Werner, M. A., van Lunsen, R. H. W., & Janssen, E. (2021) · International Journal of Sexual Health · doi:10.1080/19317611.2021.1965689 · Cited by 169
“Fourth, exposure to mass media depicting the thin-ideal body is related to body image concerns for women (e.g., Grabe et al., 2008), which is associated with them experiencing more difficulties with sexual arousal and orgasm than women without body concerns (Carvalheira et al., 2016; Silva et al.,…”
Media effects of experimental presentation of the ideal physique on eating disorder symptoms: A meta-analysis of laboratory studies
Hausenblas, H. A., Campbell, A., Menzel, J. E., Doughty, J. H., Levine, M. P., & Thompson, J. K. (2012) · Clinical Psychology Review · doi:10.1016/j.cpr.2012.10.011 · Cited by 170
“In the most comprehensive review to date, Grabe et al. (2008) examined 77 experimental and correlational studies and found that media exposure for women resulted in increased body dissatisfaction (d=− .28), internalization of the thin ideal (d=− .39), and eating disordered behaviors/beliefs (d=−…”
Background
Understanding the Impact of Thin Media Models on Women's Body-Focused Affect: The Roles of Thin-Ideal Internalization and Weight-Related Self-Discrepancy Activation in Experimental Exposure Effects
Dittmar, H., Halliwell, E., & Stirling, E. (2009) · Journal of Social and Clinical Psychology · doi:10.1521/jscp.2009.28.1.43 · Cited by 172
“Meta-analyses confirm that—on average— women feel worse after exposure to thin media models than other types of images (Grabe et al., 2008; Groesz et al., 2002).”
Background
A meta-analysis of prosocial media on prosocial behavior, aggression, and empathic concern: A multidimensional approach.
Coyne, S. M., Padilla‐Walker, L. M., Holmgren, H. G., Davis, E. J., Collier, K. M., Memmott‐Elison, M. K., & Hawkins, A. J. (2017) · Developmental Psychology · doi:10.1037/dev0000412 · Cited by 152
“…Positive outcomes .18 Current meta-analysis Facebook use Loneliness .17 Song et al. (2014) Thin-ideal body image in media Body dissatisfaction .14a Grabe et al. (2008) Educational media (Sesame Street) Educational outcomes .14a Mares and Pan (2013) Media use ADHD-related behaviors .12 Nikkelen et…”
A systematic review of studies comparing body image concerns among female college athletes and non-athletes, 1997–2012
Varnes, J. R., Stellefson, M., Janelle, C. M., Dorman, S. M., Dodd, V. J. N., & Miller, M. D. (2013) · Body Image · doi:10.1016/j.bodyim.2013.06.001 · Cited by 174
An umbrella review of the benefits and risks associated with youths’ interactions with electronic screens
Sanders, T., Noetel, M., Parker, P., Del Pozo Cruz, B., Biddle, S., Ronto, R., Hulteen, R., Parker, R., Thomas, G., De Cocker, K., et al. (2023) · Nature Human Behaviour · doi:10.1038/s41562-023-01712-8 · Cited by 148
Under-reporting remains a key limitation of self-reported dietary intake: an analysis of the 2008/09 New Zealand Adult Nutrition Survey
Gemming, L., Jiang, Y., Swinburn, B. A., Utter, J., & Mhurchú, C. N. (2013) · European Journal of Clinical Nutrition · doi:10.1038/ejcn.2013.242 · Cited by 161
Body dissatisfaction, ethnic identity, and disordered eating among African American women.
Wood, N. A. R., & Petrie, T. A. (2010) · Journal of Counseling Psychology · doi:10.1037/a0018922 · Cited by 167
Illusory Changes in Body Size Modulate Body Satisfaction in a Way That Is Related to Non-Clinical Eating Disorder Psychopathology
Preston, C., & Ehrsson, H. H. (2014) · PLoS ONE · doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0085773 · Cited by 148
Motivate me to exercise with you: The effects of social media fitness influencers on users’ intentions to engage in physical activity and the role of user gender
Durau, J., Diehl, S., & Terlutter, R. (2022) · Digital Health · doi:10.1177/20552076221102769 · Cited by 189
“Previous research has suggested that exposure to fit and thin fitness models might have both positive and negative health effects.(79,80) Negative effects can, for instance, result from comparisons with well-trained models that lead to dissatisfaction with one’s own appearance.”
Background
Facebook and body image concern in adolescent girls: A prospective study
Tiggemann, M., & Slater, A. (2017) · International Journal of Eating Disorders · doi:10.1002/eat.22640 · Cited by 135
“In support, an extensive body of correlational research has demonstrated cross-sectional relationships between the consumption of traditional media (fashion magazines or television) and various indices of body dissatisfaction or disordered eating.(3) A smaller body of research has likewise demonstrated a relationship…”
Background
The association between social comparison in social media, body image concerns and eating disorder symptoms: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Bonfanti, R. C., Melchiori, F., Teti, A., Albano, G., Raffard, S., Rodgers, R., & Lo Coco, G. (2025) · Body Image · doi:10.1016/j.bodyim.2024.101841 · Cited by 154
Dress, body and self: research in the social psychology of dress
Johnson, K. P., Lennon, S. J., & Rudd, N. A. (2014) · Fashion and Textiles · doi:10.1186/s40691-014-0020-7 · Cited by 165
“…cultural norms for appearance (via idealized images) leads to greater dissatisfaction with the body in general for both men and women (Blond 2008; Grabe et al. 2008); yet a meta-analysis of eight research studies conducted in real life settings suggested that these appearance norms were more…”
Background
Disordered Eating Attitudes and Behaviors in Youth with Overweight and Obesity: Implications for Treatment
Hayes, J. F., Fitzsimmons‐Craft, E. E., Karam, A. M., Jakubiak, J., Brown, M. L., & Wilfley, D. E. (2018) · Current Obesity Reports · doi:10.1007/s13679-018-0316-9 · Cited by 147
Influence of the Mass Media and Body Dissatisfaction on the Risk in Adolescents of Developing Eating Disorders
Uchôa, F. N. M., Uchôa, N. M., Daniele, T. M. D. C., Lustosa, R. P., Garrido, N. D., Deana, N. F., Aranha, Á. C. M., & Alves, N. (2019) · International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health · doi:10.3390/ijerph16091508 · Cited by 150
“[15], in a meta-analysis, observed that women and adolescents exposed to the media spent more money on improving their appearance and were more susceptible to eating disorders (ED) because they felt dissatisfied with their body image.”
Background
#Loveyourbody: The effect of body positive Instagram captions on women’s body image
Tiggemann, M., Anderberg, I., & Brown, Z. A. (2020) · Body Image · doi:10.1016/j.bodyim.2020.02.015 · Cited by 180
“07), in contrast to the small effects typically reported in the earlier literature involving traditional media (Grabe et al., 2008; Groesz et al., 2001; Want, 2009).”
Result
Listening, Watching, and Reading: The Structure and Correlates of Entertainment Preferences
Rentfrow, P. J., Goldberg, L. R., & Zilca, R. (2010) · Journal of Personality · doi:10.1111/j.1467-6494.2010.00662.x · Cited by 139
Predicting body appreciation in young women: An integrated model of positive body image
Andrew, R., Tiggemann, M., & Clark, L. (2016) · Body Image · doi:10.1016/j.bodyim.2016.04.003 · Cited by 136
Does Media Type Matter? The Role of Identification in Adolescent Girls’ Media Consumption and the Impact of Different Thin-Ideal Media on Body Image
Bell, B. T., & Dittmar, H. (2011) · Sex Roles · doi:10.1007/s11199-011-9964-x · Cited by 175
“taken from magazines (Groesz et al. 2002; Grabe et al. 2008 ).”
BackgroundMethodInfluential
When media become the mirror: a meta-analysis on media and body image
Huang, Q. E., Peng, W., & Ahn, S. (2020) · Media Psychology · doi:10.1080/15213269.2020.1737545 · Cited by 167
“Aligned with previous meta-analyses (e.g., Grabe et al., 2008), adults, in comparison with adolescents and emerging adults, were less likely to internalize the ideal body presented in media or to be emotionally anxious.”
BackgroundMethodResult
What is an attractive body? Using an interactive 3D program to create the ideal body for you and your partner
Crossley, K. L., Cornelissen, P. L., & Tovée, M. J. (2012) · PLoS ONE · doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0050601 · Cited by 135
“This low ideal BMI is similar to the BMI reported for female models appearing in the media [53,54], a result consistent with the hypothesis that low BMI women in the media influence body size preferences [55–58] and contribute to the high proportion of women who show dieting and weight loss behaviours even though they…”
Result
An Ecological Momentary Assessment of the Effects of Weight and Shape Social Comparisons on Women With Eating Pathology, High Body Dissatisfaction, and Low Body Dissatisfaction
Leahey, T. M., Crowther, J. H., & Ciesla, J. A. (2011) · Behavior Therapy · doi:10.1016/j.beth.2010.07.003 · Cited by 151
The impact of no-makeup selfies on young women’s body image
Fardouly, J., & Rapee, R. M. (2019) · Body Image · doi:10.1016/j.bodyim.2019.01.006 · Cited by 150
#malefitspo: Links between viewing fitspiration posts, muscular-ideal internalisation, appearance comparisons, body satisfaction, and exercise motivation in men
Fatt, S. J., Fardouly, J., & Rapee, R. M. (2019) · New Media & Society · doi:10.1177/1461444818821064 · Cited by 136
Contributions of Mainstream Sexual Media Exposure to Sexual Attitudes, Perceived Peer Norms, and Sexual Behavior: A Meta-Analysis
Coyne, S. M., Ward, L. M., Kroff, S. L., Davis, E. J., Holmgren, H. G., Jensen, A. C., Erickson, S. E., & Essig, L. W. (2019) · Journal of Adolescent Health · doi:10.1016/j.jadohealth.2018.11.016 · Cited by 165
“The effect sizes found here are similar to those of other studied areas of media psychology such as media’s impact on violence [41], prosocial behavior [42], and body image [43].”
ResultSelf-citation
Interacting Like a Body
Saguy, T., Quinn, D. M., Dovidio, J. F., & Felicia Pratto, B. (2010) · Psychological Science · doi:10.1177/0956797609357751 · Cited by 132
From Meatless Mondays to Meatless Sundays: Motivations for Meat Reduction among Vegetarians and Semi-vegetarians Who Mildly or Significantly Reduce Their Meat Intake
Backer, C. J. S. D., & Hudders, L. (2014) · Ecology of Food and Nutrition · doi:10.1080/03670244.2014.896797 · Cited by 135
Disclaimer labels on fashion magazine advertisements: Effects on social comparison and body dissatisfaction
Tiggemann, M., Slater, A., Bury, B., Hawkins, K., & Firth, B. (2012) · Body Image · doi:10.1016/j.bodyim.2012.08.001 · Cited by 136
Social Network Sites, Friends, and Celebrities: The Roles of Social Comparison and Celebrity Involvement in Adolescents’ Body Image Dissatisfaction
Ho, S. S., Lee, E. W. J., & Liao, Y. (2016) · Social Media + Society · doi:10.1177/2056305116664216 · Cited by 149
Ideal comparisons: Body ideals harm women’s body image through social comparison
Betz, D. E., Sabik, N. J., & Ramsey, L. R. (2019) · Body Image · doi:10.1016/j.bodyim.2019.03.004 · Cited by 146
The Effect of Advertising on Children and Adolescents
Lapierre, M. A., Fleming‐Milici, F., Rozendaal, E., McAlister, A. R., & Castonguay, J. S. (2017) · PEDIATRICS · doi:10.1542/peds.2016-1758v · Cited by 125
Social Norms and Health Behavior
Reid, A. E., Cialdini, R. B., & Aiken, L. S. (2010) · Handbook of Behavioral Medicine · doi:10.1007/978-0-387-09488-5_19 · Cited by 124
Hidden addiction: Television
Sussman, S. Y., & Moran, M. B. (2013) · Journal of Behavioral Addictions · doi:10.1556/jba.2.2013.008 · Cited by 124
Body Surveillance on Instagram: Examining the Role of Selfie Feedback Investment in Young Adult Women’s Body Image Concerns
Butkowski, C. P., Dixon, T. L., & Weeks, K. R. (2019) · Sex Roles · doi:10.1007/s11199-018-0993-6 · Cited by 131
Relations among media influence, body image, eating concerns, and sexual orientation in men: A preliminary investigation
Carper, T. L. M., Negy, C., & Tantleff‐Dunn, S. (2010) · Body Image · doi:10.1016/j.bodyim.2010.07.002 · Cited by 130
Is plus size equal? The positive impact of average and plus-sized media fashion models on women’s cognitive resource allocation, social comparisons, and body satisfaction
Clayton, R. B., Ridgway, J. L., & Hendrickse, J. (2017) · Communication Monographs · doi:10.1080/03637751.2017.1332770 · Cited by 130
“Moreover, a recent meta-analysis indicated that discrepancies between a woman’s actual and ideal self has been identified as a key predictor to body dissatisfaction (Grabe et al., 2008).”
BackgroundResult
Internalization of the thin and muscular body ideal and disordered eating in adolescence: The mediation effects of body esteem
Flament, M. F., Hill, E. M., Buchholz, A., Henderson, K. A., Tasca, G. A., & Goldfield, G. S. (2011) · Body Image · doi:10.1016/j.bodyim.2011.07.007 · Cited by 116
Uso de redes sociais, influência da mídia e insatisfação com a imagem corporal de adolescentes brasileiras
Lira, A. G., de Piano, A., Lodi, A. S., & Alvarenga, M. D. S. (2017) · Jornal Brasileiro de Psiquiatria · doi:10.1590/0047-2085000000166 · Cited by 120
Social media is not real life: The effect of attaching disclaimer-type labels to idealized social media images on women’s body image and mood
Fardouly, J., & Holland, E. (2018) · New Media & Society · doi:10.1177/1461444818771083 · Cited by 143
“Metaanalyses suggest that the mass media, which depicts thin and largely unattainable beauty ideals, plays an important role in fueling women’s body dissatisfaction (Grabe et al., 2008; Groesz et al., 2002).”
Background
The effects of viewing thin, sexualized selfies on Instagram: Investigating the role of image source and awareness of photo editing practices
Vendemia, M. A., & DeAndrea, D. C. (2018) · Body Image · doi:10.1016/j.bodyim.2018.08.013 · Cited by 133
Body Positivity (#BoPo) in everyday life: An ecological momentary assessment study showing potential benefits to individuals’ body image and emotional wellbeing
Stevens, A., & Griffiths, S. (2020) · Body Image · doi:10.1016/j.bodyim.2020.09.003 · Cited by 119
Body dissatisfaction: Can a short media literacy message reduce negative media exposure effects amongst adolescent girls?
Halliwell, E., Easun, A., & Harcourt, D. M. (2010) · British Journal of Health Psychology · doi:10.1348/135910710x515714 · Cited by 136
Who is The Fairest One of All? How Evolution Guides Peer and Media Influences on Female Body Dissatisfaction
Ferguson, C. J., Winegard, B. M., & Winegard, B. (2011) · Review of General Psychology · doi:10.1037/a0022607 · Cited by 134
“For instance, Grabe et al. (2008) suggested that although some inconsistencies in the research exist, the overall evidence provides support for a robust link between media consumption and body dissatisfaction.”
BackgroundResultInfluential
The effect of exposure to parodies of thin-ideal images on young women’s body image and mood
Slater, A., Cole, N., & Fardouly, J. (2019) · Body Image · doi:10.1016/j.bodyim.2019.03.001 · Cited by 125
Waif goodbye! Average-size female models promote positive body image and appeal to consumers
Diedrichs, P., & Lee, C. (2011) · Psychology and Health · doi:10.1080/08870446.2010.515308 · Cited by 94
“Not surprisingly, recent meta-analyses have concluded that exposure to media images depicting thin, idealised women is associated with greater body image concerns among women (e.g. Grabe et al., 2008).”
Background
Personality and body image: A systematic review
Allen, M. S., & Walter, E. E. (2016) · Body Image · doi:10.1016/j.bodyim.2016.08.012 · Cited by 145
A pilot study investigating whether focusing on body functionality can protect women from the potential negative effects of viewing thin-ideal media images
Alleva, J. M., Veldhuis, J., & Martijn, C. (2016) · Body Image · doi:10.1016/j.bodyim.2016.01.007 · Cited by 114
“Unfortunately, the current beauty ideal is more unrealistic than it ever has been, with the “ideal woman” being extremely thin (Diedrichs & Lee, 2011; Fouts & Burggraf, 2000; Grabe, Ward, & Hyde, 2008).”
Background
Development and Validation of the Female Muscularity Scale
Rodgers, R. F., Franko, D. L., Lovering, M. E., Luk, S., Pernal, W., & Matsumoto, A. (2017) · Sex Roles · doi:10.1007/s11199-017-0775-6 · Cited by 113
“Consistent with sociocultural theory, social pressure frommedia, peers, or family to achieve this thin-ideal has been associated with body image and eating concerns (Fitzsimmons-Craft et al. 2011; Grabe et al. 2008; Rodgers et al. 2011).”
Background
Sociocultural Appearance Standards and Risk Factors for Eating Disorders in Adolescents and Women of Various Ages
Izydorczyk, B., & Sitnik‐Warchulska, K. (2018) · Frontiers in Psychology · doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2018.00429 · Cited by 116
A Qualitative Study Exploring Female College Students’ Instagram Use and Body Image.
Baker, N., Ferszt, G., & Breines, J. G. (2019) · Cyberpsychology Behavior and Social Networking · doi:10.1089/cyber.2018.0420 · Cited by 112
Body Image Dissatisfaction
McDermott, E., Mullen, G., Moloney, J., Keegan, D., Byrne, K., Doherty, G. A., Cullen, G. J., Malone, K. M., & Mulcahy, H. E. (2015) · Inflammatory Bowel Diseases · doi:10.1097/mib.0000000000000287 · Cited by 111
“Concerns often manifest in adolescence as a result of peer, parental, media, and advertising pressures to conform to the perceived physical ideals of thinness in women and muscularity in men.(3,4) More than 50% of young adults”
Background
The Effects of Thin and Heavy Media Images on Overweight and Underweight Consumers: Social Comparison Processes and Behavioral Implications
Smeesters, D., Mussweiler, T., & Mandel, N. (2009) · Journal of Consumer Research · doi:10.1086/648688 · Cited by 110
“Researchers have repeatedly shown that women who view thin ideal images experience lower self-esteem and higher body dissatisfaction than do women who view neutral images (Grabe et al. 2008).”
BackgroundInfluential
Retracted
Testing a dissonance body image intervention among young girls.
Halliwell, E., & Diedrichs, P. (2014) · Health Psychology · doi:10.1037/a0032585 · Cited by 110
An Evolutionary Perspective on Appearance Enhancement Behavior
Davis, A. C., & Arnocky, S. A. (2020) · Archives of Sexual Behavior · doi:10.1007/s10508-020-01745-4 · Cited by 123
Body dissatisfaction levels and gender differences in attentional biases toward idealized bodies
Cho, A., & Lee, J.-H. (2012) · Body Image · doi:10.1016/j.bodyim.2012.09.005 · Cited by 111
School-Based Interventions Improve Body Image and Media Literacy in Youth: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Kurz, M., Rosendahl, J., Rodeck, J., Muehleck, J., & Berger, U. (2022) · Journal of Prevention · doi:10.1007/s10935-021-00660-1 · Cited by 110
“These influences include the internalisation of the slimness ideal, which is associated with body image concerns (Grabe et al., 2008).”
Background
Association of thin-ideal media exposure, body dissatisfaction and disordered eating behaviors among adolescents in Taiwan
Chang, F., Lee, C., Chen, P., Chiu, C., Pan, Y.-C., & Huang, T.-F. (2013) · Eating Behaviors · doi:10.1016/j.eatbeh.2013.05.002 · Cited by 110
Gender Differences in Body Evaluation: Do Men Show More Self-Serving Double Standards Than Women?
Voges, M. M., Giabbiconi, C., Schöne, B., Waldorf, M., Hartmann, A. S., & Vocks, S. (2019) · Frontiers in Psychology · doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2019.00544 · Cited by 121
“Accordingly, various studies have found that men, like women, feel greater dissatisfaction when they are confronted with ideal body stimuli of their own sex (Arbour and Martin Ginis, 2006; Blond, 2008; Grabe et al., 2008; Karazsia and Crowther, 2009; Galioto and Crowther, 2013; Cordes et al., 2017).”
Background
Weight stigma and media: An examination of the effect of advertising campaigns on weight bias, internalized weight bias, self-esteem, body image, and affect
Selensky, J. C., & Carels, R. A. (2020) · Body Image · doi:10.1016/j.bodyim.2020.10.008 · Cited by 140
Body Objectification, MTV, and Psychological Outcomes Among Female Adolescents1
Grabe, S., & Hyde, J. S. (2009) · Journal of Applied Social Psychology · doi:10.1111/j.1559-1816.2009.00552.x · Cited by 108
“In a recent meta-analytic study, Grabe, Ward, and Hyde (2008) reviewed 77 studies from both the experimental and correlational literatures demonstrating that media use is directly linked to women’s body dissatisfaction, internalization of the thin ideal, and disordered eating attitudes and beliefs.”
BackgroundSelf-citation
TikTok on the clock but the #fitspo don’t stop: The impact of TikTok fitspiration videos on women’s body image concerns
Pryde, S., & Prichard, I. J. (2022) · Body Image · doi:10.1016/j.bodyim.2022.09.004 · Cited by 120
Gender and Social‐Cognitive Development
Leaper, C. (2015) · Wiley eBooks · doi:10.1002/9781118963418.childpsy219 · Cited by 114
When self-destructive thoughts flash through the mind: Failure to meet standards affects the accessibility of suicide-related thoughts.
Chatard, A., & Selimbegović, L. (2011) · Journal of Personality and Social Psychology · doi:10.1037/a0022461 · Cited by 107
Contingencies of Self-Worth and Appearance Concerns
Overstreet, N. M., & Quinn, D. M. (2012) · Psychology of Women Quarterly · doi:10.1177/0361684311435221 · Cited by 107
Genital panics: Constructing the vagina in women's qualitative narratives about pubic hair, menstrual sex, and vaginal self-image
Fahs, B. (2014) · Body Image · doi:10.1016/j.bodyim.2014.03.002 · Cited by 106
Face consciousness among South Korean women: A culture-specific extension of objectification theory.
Kim, S. Y., Seo, Y. S., & Baek, K. Y. (2013) · Journal of Counseling Psychology · doi:10.1037/a0034433 · Cited by 116
Is fat talking a causal risk factor for body dissatisfaction? A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Sharpe, H., Naumann, U., Treasure, J. L., & Schmidt, U. H. (2013) · International Journal of Eating Disorders · doi:10.1002/eat.22151 · Cited by 111
Out of my real body: cognitive neuroscience meets eating disorders
Riva, G. (2014) · Frontiers in Human Neuroscience · doi:10.3389/fnhum.2014.00236 · Cited by 110
Sexualized Avatars Lead to Women’s Self-Objectification and Acceptance of Rape Myths
Fox, J., Ralston, R. A., Cooper, C. K., & Jones, K. A. (2014) · Psychology of Women Quarterly · doi:10.1177/0361684314553578 · Cited by 104
Sexy versus strong: What girls and women think of female athletes
Daniels, E. A. (2012) · Journal of Applied Developmental Psychology · doi:10.1016/j.appdev.2011.12.002 · Cited by 103
“…is substantial evidence documenting the widespread objectification of women in mainstream media and the negative effects of this objectification on female viewers (APA, 2007; Gilbert, Keery, & Thompson, 2005; Grabe et al., 2008; Groesz et al., 2002; Levine & Harrison, 2004; Ward & Harrison, 2005).”
Background
Fat Talk and Body Image Disturbance
Mills, J., & Fuller‐Tyszkiewicz, M. (2016) · Psychology of Women Quarterly · doi:10.1177/0361684316675317 · Cited by 122
“) and that it is at least as strongly associated with body image disturbance as other social influences (Ferguson, 2013; Grabe et al., 2008; Menzel et al., 2010).”
Background
The reciprocal and indirect relationships between passive Facebook use, comparison on Facebook, and adolescents' body dissatisfaction
Rousseau, A., Eggermont, S., & Frison, E. (2017) · Computers in Human Behavior · doi:10.1016/j.chb.2017.03.056 · Cited by 104
A Content Analysis of Female Body Imagery in Video Games
Martins, N., Williams, D. C., Harrison, K., & Ratan, R. (2009) · Sex Roles · doi:10.1007/s11199-009-9682-9 · Cited by 102
“The research in this arena demonstrates that exposure to the thin ideal results in women evaluating their bodies more negatively, which in turn, leads to an increase in disordered eating symptomology (Grabe et al. 2008; Harrison et al. 2006).”
Background
Athlete or Sex Symbol: What Boys Think of Media Representations of Female Athletes
Daniels, E. A., & Wartena, H. (2011) · Sex Roles · doi:10.1007/s11199-011-9959-7 · Cited by 102
“A large body of research with primarily Western samples has examined how these images affect girls and women (e.g., Field et al. 1999; Grabe et al. 2008; Groesz et al. 2002; Levine et al. 1994; Ward and Harrison 2005), yet only a small body of research has examined how they affect males (e.”
Background
Women on display: The effect of portraying the self online on women’s self-objectification
de Vries, D. A., & Peter, J. (2013) · Computers in Human Behavior · doi:10.1016/j.chb.2013.01.015 · Cited by 101
“Previous research has shown that women’s self-objectification increases when they encounter objectifying information in the media (Aubrey, 2006a; 2006b; 2010; Aubrey et al., 2009; Grabe et al., 2008; Harper & Tiggemann, 2008; Morry & Staska, 2001).”
BackgroundMethodInfluential
Low-Cut Shirts and High-Heeled Shoes: Increased Sexualization Across Time in Magazine Depictions of Girls
Graff, K. A., Murnen, S. K., & Krause, A. K. (2013) · Sex Roles · doi:10.1007/s11199-013-0321-0 · Cited by 101
Should women be “All About That Bass?”: Diverse body-ideal messages and women’s body image
Betz, D. E., & Ramsey, L. R. (2017) · Body Image · doi:10.1016/j.bodyim.2017.04.004 · Cited by 102
Representation of Women in Video Games: A Systematic Review of Literature in Consideration of Adult Female Wellbeing
Gestos, M., Smith‐Merry, J., & Campbell, A. (2018) · Cyberpsychology Behavior and Social Networking · doi:10.1089/cyber.2017.0376 · Cited by 108
“29 Furthermore, stereotypical and sexual-ized portrayals of women in the media have been shown to diminish both female and male belief in female capability and efﬁcacy compared to men.”
Effects of a Brief School-Based Media Literacy Intervention on Digital Media Use in Adolescents: Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial
Walther, B., Hanewinkel, R., & Morgenstern, M. (2014) · Cyberpsychology Behavior and Social Networking · doi:10.1089/cyber.2014.0173 · Cited by 103
No harm in looking, right? Men’s pornography consumption, body image, and well-being.
Tylka, T. L. (2014) · Psychology of Men & Masculinity · doi:10.1037/a0035774 · Cited by 101
Effects of thin-ideal instagram images: The roles of appearance comparisons, internalization of the thin ideal and critical media processing
Anixiadis, F., Wertheim, E. H., Rodgers, R. F., & Caruana, B. (2019) · Body Image · doi:10.1016/j.bodyim.2019.10.005 · Cited by 129
Social network media exposure and adolescent eating pathology in Fiji
Becker, A. E., Fay, K., Agnew‐Blais, J. C., Khan, A., Striegel‐Moore, R. H., & Gilman, S. E. (2011) · The British Journal of Psychiatry · doi:10.1192/bjp.bp.110.078675 · Cited by 112
Reporting risk, producing prejudice: How news reporting on obesity shapes attitudes about health risk, policy, and prejudice
Saguy, A. C., Frederick, D. A., & Gruys, K. (2014) · Social Science & Medicine · doi:10.1016/j.socscimed.2014.03.026 · Cited by 99
“***p < .001, **p < .01, *p < .05. of studies of media exposure (Grabe et al., 2008) are less reliably detected across studies.”
Result
Exploring Body Comparison Tendencies
Franzoi, S. L., Vasquez, K., Sparapani, E., Frost, K. A., Martin, J. L., & Aebly, M. (2011) · Psychology of Women Quarterly · doi:10.1177/0361684311427028 · Cited by 99
Erratum to: Beyond Thinness: The Influence of a Curvaceous Body Ideal on Body Dissatisfaction in Black and White Women
Overstreet, N. M., Quinn, D. M., & Agocha, V. B. (2010) · Sex Roles · doi:10.1007/s11199-010-9887-y · Cited by 100
“When differences in body image perceptions between Black and White women are considered, studies have found that White women are adversely impacted by mainstream thin body ideals ( Grabe et al. 2008; Schooler et al. 2004) but Black women appear to be “protected” from sociocultural pressures of thinness due to the cult…”
Background
The associations between body dissatisfaction, body figure, self‐esteem, and depressed mood in adolescents in the United States and Korea: A moderated mediation analysis
Choi, E.-S., & Choi, I. (2016) · Journal of Adolescence · doi:10.1016/j.adolescence.2016.10.007 · Cited by 113
Objectified Body Consciousness, Body Image Control in Photos, and Problematic Social Networking: The Role of Appearance Control Beliefs
Boursier, V., Gioia, F., & Griffiths, M. D. (2020) · Frontiers in Psychology · doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2020.00147 · Cited by 112
Facebook is linked to body dissatisfaction: comparing users and non-users.
Stronge, S., Greaves, L. M., Milojev, P., West-Newman, T., Barlow, F. K., & Sibley, C. G. (2015) · Sex Roles · doi:10.1007/s11199-015-0517-6 · Cited by 97
“The association between body dissatisfaction and media exposure has been well documented (see Grabe et al. 2008 for a meta-analysis).”
BackgroundInfluential
Muscles and bare chests on Instagram: The effect of Influencers’ fashion and fitspiration images on men’s body image.
Tiggemann, M., & Anderberg, I. (2020) · Body Image · doi:10.1016/j.bodyim.2020.10.001 · Cited by 98
Understanding the Role of Healthy Eating and Fitness Mobile Apps in the Formation of Maladaptive Eating and Exercise Behaviors in Young People
Honary, M., Bell, B. T., Clinch, S., Wild, S. E., & McNaney, R. (2019) · JMIR mhealth and uhealth · doi:10.2196/14239 · Cited by 99
“Similarly, focusing on more intrinsic factors when eating and exercising is more conducive to long-term physical and mental health [72,73].”
Body Image, Food Addiction, Depression, and Body Mass Index in University Students
Şanlıer, N., Ağagündüz, D., & Toka, O. (2016) · Ecology of Food and Nutrition · doi:10.1080/03670244.2016.1219951 · Cited by 96
Shape and Significance of Feminine Beauty: An Evolutionary Perspective
Singh, D. N., & Singh, D. (2011) · Sex Roles · doi:10.1007/s11199-011-9938-z · Cited by 96
“Given that the media glorifies female thinness (Wolf 1991; Grabe et al., 2008 ) it was anticipated that the participants would rate the underweight figures as more attractive than the average or overweight figures.”
Background
Selfie-engagement on social media: Pathological narcissism, positive expectation, and body objectification – Which is more influential?
Boursier, V., Gioia, F., & Griffiths, M. D. (2020) · Addictive Behaviors Reports · doi:10.1016/j.abrep.2020.100263 · Cited by 121

Authors: Grabe, S., Ward, L. M., & Hyde, J. S.
Affiliations: University of Wisconsin–Madison (US)
University of Michigan (US)
ORCID: Grabe, Shelly
Ward, L. Monique
Hyde, Janet Shibley
Venue: Psychological Bulletin
Publisher: American Psychological Association (APA)
Published: 2008
Volume: 134
Issue: 3
Pages: 460-476
ISSN: 0033-2909 (ISSN-L)
1939-1455
DOI: 10.1037/0033-2909.134.3.460
OpenAlex: W2100351233
Cited by: 2,053
References: 168
Citations by year: 2026: 81 · 2025: 144 · 2024: 120 · 2023: 120 · 2022: 104 · 2021: 163 · 2020: 150 · 2019: 139 · 2018: 148 · 2017: 149 · 2016: 132 · 2015: 123 · 2014: 109 · 2013: 119 · 2012: 86
FWCI: 9.45
Type: journal article
Language: en
Open access: closed
Locations: Psychological Bulletin (publishedVersion)
PubMed (publishedVersion)
Funders: National Institutes of Health (F32MH7197102)
Topics: Social Sciences › Psychology › Clinical Psychology › Eating Disorders and Behaviors
Social Sciences › Psychology › Clinical Psychology › Body Image and Dysmorphia Studies
Health Sciences › Nursing › Nutrition and Dietetics › Nutrition, Health and Food Behavior
Keywords: media exposure, body image, thin ideal, body dissatisfaction, women, dietary habits, media image
MeSH terms: Adult, Body Image, Culture, Feeding Behavior, Female, Humans, Mass Media, Self Concept, Social Behavior

About these checks

Registry, retraction, Cites and statistics results are computed, not judged, with one exception: a printed reference that no index lists is read once by a model before it counts as a citation error. Claims are extracted by a model and kept only when their quote appears verbatim in the text; each cited source is then checked, with a model’s help, for whether it says what the claim relies on. Those verdicts can be wrong — read the claim’s quote and the cited source before relying on one.

Statistics and arithmetic are recomputed, not judged.

Confidence bands are shown only for fields calibrated on our annotated test set. None is calibrated yet, so no band is shown.

What counts as a claim ›How we measure confidence ›How we check this ›

Are you an author, or do you see a problem with this page? Request a review

The role of the media in body image concerns among women: A meta-analysis of experimental and correlational studies

Abstract

Overview

Integrity signals

Verification

Claims the paper makes

Claims other papers make about this one

Citations

Cites

Cited by

Related

Metadata

Record

About these checks