| Newer research reports that younger children exhibit symptoms of eating disorders (Ricciardelli & McCabe, 2001). Studies found children often endorse negative statements about being fat and positive statements about being thin and show preferences for average body builds over overweight body builds (Shapiro et al., 1997; Lerner & Gellert, 1969). In addition, body mass index (BMI) has shown a relationship with body dissatisfaction in children (Sands & Wardle, 2003).;Research also suggests that the media contributes to the prevalence of eating disorders through promotion of the thin ideal (Field et al., 2001). Therefore, this study examined the influence of the media upon children's body image. Body image was assessed before and after a video with "body image messages" or neutral messages. Collateral questions about body mass index (BMI) and body image were explored, as well as subjects' body build preferences.;Children's body image attitudes were assessed using the Body Figures Preference Scale (BFPS) (Collins, 1991) and a modified version of the Body Esteem Scale (BES) (Mendelson, & White, 1982) during two data sessions about two weeks apart. During the first, subjects' body image attitudes were assessed and BMI scores obtained. During the second, subjects in the experimental subjects viewed a movie clip, Cinderella, and control subjects viewed another movie clip, Fantasia, and again completed assessments.;Results of an exploratory analysis showed that the experimental group's BFPS scores significantly decreased from pretest 2 to posttest; however controls showed no significant group differences. Body mass index had a significant negative correlation with pretest 2 modified BES scores and a significant positive correlation with pretest 2 BFPS scores. Both groups showed a preference for underweight and average silhouettes as compared with overweight when asked what "body he/she wishes to have". Both groups chose the largest silhouette figure most often as the "body he/she would not want to have".;Future studies should investigate the influence of media images on body image in children examining individual ages, genders, and races. The influence of other types of children's media, such as magazine advertisements, non-animated films, commercials, and Barbie dolls, should also be investigated. |
