| The focus of this project was on the association between exposure to the media, body image, eating disorders, and efforts to change weight among females between the ages of 12 and 19. Data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) was utilized. The following research questions were examined: (a) What is the impact of media on body image perceptions of the audiences? and (b) What is the correlation between the media, body image and eating disorders? Correlations were utilized in order to explore these research questions, while Kruskal-Wallis ANOVAs as well as correlations were used in order to explore the association between exposure to the media and demographic measures. The results of these analyses found some support for an association between exposure to the media, body image, eating disorders, and efforts to change weight among young females, providing partial support for previous research and Cultivation Theory. |
