It is important that educators become aware of problems associated with body dissatisfaction influenced by media at the elementary level so that lessons and programs are incorporated early to help reduce risk of disease. The purpose of this study was to assess preadolescents' knowledge, perceptions and behavior regarding the media's influence on body image. Upon completion of the TV & Me program, the participants were assessed on their ability to: (1) identify ways media influences body image, (2) distinguish between realistic and unrealistic goals for appearance, (3) practice skills to improve body image and self esteem, (4) be more attentive to the impact media plays on their lives, and (5) acknowledge the impact body dissatisfaction has on one's health.
Method
One hundred forty-five preadolescent participants were classified into two groups: treatment (n=122) and control (n=23). Treatment group participants completed the TV & Me program which consisted of a series of two workshops, each one hour in length. All participants completed pretest and posttest surveys that were used to assess objectives and the effectiveness of the program.
Analysis/Results
Using paired samples t tests to compare pretest to posttest, treatment group participants reported a significant decrease in ‘wanting to looking like someone on TV,' and believing ‘the way people look on TV are a good example of what people look like in real life.' A significant increase of, ‘focusing on my good qualities rather than bad qualities,' and ‘know when TV shows are trying to influence me,' was also reported. Treatment group participants also showed a significant improvement in body satisfaction. The control group did not show a significant change in any of the mentioned areas.
Conclusions
Participants in the TV & Me program reported a greater change in being able to distinguish unrealistic characteristics of figures in the media, less likely to want to look like someone on TV, more likely to be happy with the way their body looks and more likely to practice self-esteem building activities than participants that did not complete the program.
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