Katherine, Makenzie, Kinnon, Sophie COMM 31] Human Communication Research | Empirical Final Paper: Group Research Project Step #5 | 100 Points Possible = bed maior Fld, G = pone nowadge: = ator cl bowled, W = wring jrocas Fowles Your Score Possible Pts Method section (cleerly written; includes the gétgél characteristics ofthe participants [5], a description of teghdy procedures (3), te surry Aestions used to measure each variable (5) the pha level for each survey SCHIED2}, and an appetidix with all survey questions [5])—S, G, R Trl leorhe. a Results section (clearly written; survey respi include the sjptistical test, sttistopl Aadings, And 20 Discussion section (arly writes) sumnriyzes results [5]; incorporates stpdy with existing litdyatore and .05), with an R’ of .15. Specifically,7 social media use is not a significant predictor of self-esteem. In other words, young adult women who pay more attention to topics of dieting and fitness on social media do not have lower levels of self-esteem. Social Media Use and Body Image A multiple linear regression was calculated to predict body image based on social media use, The regression equation was not significant (F= 1.33, p>.05) with an R?of.17. Specifically, social media use is not a significant predictor of body image. In other words, young adult women who pay more attention to topics of dieting and fitness on social media do not have a negative body image, RQ2 was not supported. Celebrity Impact and Body Image A multiple linear regression was calculated to predict body image based on celebrity impact. The regression equation is not significant (F=.332, p>.05) with an R? of 031. Specifically, celebrity impact is not a significant predictor of body image. In other words, the impact of celebrities does not lead to decreased body image in young adult women, Celebrity Impact and Self-Esteem A multiple linear regression was calculated to predict self-esteem based on celebrity impact. The regression equation is not significant (F=2.075, p>.05) with an R? of 065, Specifically, celebrity impact is not a significant predictor of self-esteem, In other words, the impact of celebrities does not lead to lower levels of self-esteem in young adult women. Similar to RQ2, RQ3 was not supported. Internalization of Beauty Standards and Body Image A multiple linear regression was calculated to predict body image based on beauty standards. The regression equation is not significant (F=.5, p>.05), with an R? of .046.18 Specifically, internalization of beauty standards is not a significant predictor of body image. In other words, the thin ideal standard does not have a direct correlation with negative body image amongst young adult women Internalization of Beauty Standards and Self-Esteem A multiple linear regression was calculated to predict self-esteem based on beauty standards. The regression equation was not significant (F=2.224, p>.05), with an R? of .069. Specifically, intemalization of beauty standards was not a significant predictor of self-esteem. In other words, the thin ideal standard does not have a direct correlation with lowered self-esteem among young adult women. RQ4 was also not supported, Discussion Summary of Results After assessing our results and analyzing our observations, we found that Wheaton College females have more positive self-esteem, and more negative body image the longer they are exposed to larger amounts of media, which was in agreement with RQI. These results are interesting, as we nese there would be a decline in both self-esteem and body image ‘when there is an inerease in celebrity media consumption. Research Questions 2, 3, and 4 were not supported by the results gathered through these surveys. For RQ2, our rade tated that topics of fitness and dieting on social media lead to lower levels of self-esteem and body image, but from the results; it does not lead to either of those concepts. However, the dependent variable of self-esteem was very close to statistical significance. This may have been due to the small sample, which will be discussed in the limitations section. For RQ3, we evaluated that after longer exposure to social media and celebrities, these influential figures did not lead to a decrease in body image or lower self-esteem for users. This is fascinating to see as we see these19 celebrities possibly often for people who are consistent on social media, and to find out that the impact from them is minimal can be surprising, yet encouraging. For RQ4, we got the results of an internalization of beauty standards not having a direct correlation to negative body image or self-esteem. This is also unforeseen because we hec-ereated-seseasoh-questions and bynathesized >— expect concept would have an impact on the way we view our body and self-esteem, but it does not seem to, If' we had more responses from participants, possibly this research question could have been supported, but with our circumstances and the limitations that came with it, we are unable to fully prove if it would have been significant or not. Only having one RQ supported out of the four we had created was something our group was not expecting, but interesting to find and dive deeper into, These Yysulyé were exciting to explore, but we are also shocked that not many of them became supported\g the end. Implications Our findings suggest support for some of our research, but are inconsistent or in need of ‘ouresearch g@estioys was thé xing esearch proposed hat trough exposure to media and large quantities oF social p media content, social comparison often occurs, resulting in lower levels of self-esteem (Bennetyy ) ah, Hdson, aguas, Lats, Sinisa & Beschama 502) On top of that, it has been said that lower levels of self-esteem and negative body image is impacted by several factors such ‘as media influence, personality factors, sociocultural influences, and the prevalence of celebrity worship in the formation of identity development (Swami, Taylor & Carvalho, 2011). However, ~ our results did not fully reflect these existing studies. For example, our results portrayed thatmedia consumption was povisneexoralated with seaside image, but interestingly, wef “peda consumption was negativalyborrelated with ly a se % In previous studies, communication researchers have discovered through research that media plays a significant role in “transmitting thinness-oriented norms and values” and curating aesthetic standards” (Harrison & Cantor, 2007). Despite the lack of empirical evidence produced to show the exposure to the media’s portrayal of thinness and its direct relationship to body dissatisfaction, there are several studies that have found data that highlight the direct relationship in how exposure to beauty advertisements endorse greater importance of sex appeal and beauty than with ads that are neutral (Harrison & Cantor, 2007). In the study that we conducted, we sha Foung adult women who are exposed to larger amounts of media have more positive found results that went against this study along with many other st self-esteem. Our study also concluded that young adult women who are exposed to larger amounts of media have a more negative body image. These results agree with Bell and Ditmar’s (ao) study which conclude that a person’s perceived body and their ideal body are put into a vulnerable position when pressures from idealized media models serve as a potent source of negative body image Behe Bie Limitations A significant limitation in our group research is the smaller number of respondents we & le ? received from our survey. Our group got a total Jesponses, but having more than 100 p responses would have more accurate data to our RQs. This also falls into the limitation of yh? having a short time frame in which we were able to collect data. If we had more time, possibly pet mote responses would have been able to be recorded. Another limitation would be the collection, ott of responses only at Wheaton College, where there is not much diversity in faith, color, and core2 values, This is a limitation due to the fact that we did not get many diverse results we may have received if we had sent it out to numerous colleges, including secular schools. Due to our : > 1uéstions we received from our research sites, Especially in the celebrity impact section, very few people were able to relate to the qe ~ ¢) extreme celebrity worship levels, This possibly skewed peoples answers because of how pet : unrelatable they could have been, and people did not know in which way to respond. survey, a limitation in this area would be the/far fetche Future research To expand this research project in the future, it would be beneficial to survey a large range of young adult women that go beyond just the Wheaton College bubble. This would have the potential to change our results as with each area of young adult women, comes differing cultural standards of body image and different emphases on thin ideals and levels of celebrity ‘media consumption. In addition, it might be interesting to include other ages outside of this young adult age range. Many of the articles that were used included information that touched on the topic of the impact that media consumption has on adolescents. Media is progressively growing in accessibility to a younger demographic, which would bring a larger perspective of the topic’s early stages before adolescents reach their young adult years. This would produce a more in depth data set for future research. Another aspect to look at would be the gender that is measured. It would be interesting to assess the impact that celebrity media has on young adult men as well as women, For example, men stereotypically possess differing beauty standards than women, which would allow room for exploration of the comparison between the genders and how celebrity media impacts them similarly and differently. Majority of the sources that we found included concepts of eating disorders and mental health. With this, it would be beneficial22 for future research to include and dive deeper into these concepts as they are highly prevalent in the adolescent and young adult population and growing at a steady incline. Conclusion Media use and consumption is not something that is going away anytime soon. This emphasizes the importance of studying the topics at hand, We hope that our research is helpful in considering the implications that heavy media consumption and celebrity portrayals of beauty standards have on the young female adult, Even though our research has limitations, we trust that our findings will promote conversations about these concepts among women at our college. Further research would be helpful and is needed in order to expiore our research questions more extensively and 10) ‘more demographics. we? ne Appendix ‘Are you 18 years or older? 1. Yes 2. No What is your age? Are you male or female? 1, Female 2. Male What year are you in collegs 1. Freshman 2. Sophomore 3. Junior 4, Senior Please choose one or more race and/or ethnicity that you consider yourself to be: 1. American Indian or Alaska Native 2. Asian 3. Black or African-American 4 5. |. Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander Spanish, Hispanic, or Latino 6. White 7, Other1 feel confident about my abilities, 1. Strongly Agree 2. Agree 3. Neutral 4, Disagree 5. Strongly Disagree 1 feel that others respect and admire me. 1, Strongly Agree 2, Agree 3. Neutral 4, Disagree 5. Strongly Disagree 1 feel self-conscious. 1, Strongly Agree 2. Agree 3. Neutral 4, Disagree 5. Strongly Disagree n 1 He 4. Disagree 5. Strongly Disagree 1 feel inferior to others at this moment, 1. Strongly Agree 2. Agree 3. Neutral 4, Disagree 5. Strongly Disagree | feel concemed about the impression J am making 1. Suongly Agree 2. Agree 3. Neutral 4, Disagree 5. Strongly Disagree I feel unattractive, 1. Strongly Agree 2324 2. Agree 3. Neutral 4, Disagree 5. Strongly Disagree Tam worried about looking foolish 1, Strongly Agree 2. Agree 3, Neutral 4. Disagree 5. Strongly Disagree Overall, how much attention do you pay to the topic of dieting on TV or streaming services? 1. Notat all 2, Alittle 3. Amoderate amount 4. Alot 5, A great deal Overall, how much attention do you pay to the topic of dieting on the radio or podcasts? 1, Not at all 2. Alittle 3. Amoderate amount 4, Alot 5. Agreat deal Overall, how much attention do you pay to the topic of dieting in newspapers or magazines? 1, Notatall 2. Alittle 3. Amoderate amount 4. Alot 5. Agreat deal Overall, how much attention do you pay to the topic of dieting online? J, Notatall 2. Alittle 3. Amoderate amount 4, Alot 5. Agreat deal Overall, how much attention do you pay to the topic of dieting on social media? 1. Not at all 2. Alive 3. Amoderate amount25 4, Alot 5. Agreat deal Overall, how much attention do you pay to the topic of fitness on TV or streaming services? 1. Notatall 2. Alittle 3. Amoderate amount 4, Alot 5. Agreat deal Overall, how much attention do you pay to the topic of fitness in newspapers or magazines? 1. Notat all 2. Alittle 3. Amoderate amount 4, Alot 5. A great deal Overall, how much attention do you pay to the topic of fitness in newspapers or magazines? 1, Notat all 2, Alittle 3. Amoderate amount 4. Alot 5. Agreat deal Overall, how much attention do you pay to the topic of fitness online? 1. Notat all 2. Alittle 3. Amoderate amount 4. Alot 5. A great deal Overall, how much attention do you pay to the topic of fitness on social media! 1. Notatall A litle A moderate amount Alot A great deal Jenjoy watching, reading, or listening to celebrities because it means a good time. 1, Strongly Disagree Disagree Neutral Agree Strongly Agree baeE26 I love to talk with others who admire celebrities. 1. Strongly Disagree 2. Disagree 3. Neutral 4, Agree 5. Strongly Agree Learning the life stories of celebrities is a lot of fun. 1, Strongly Disagree 2. Disagree 3. Neutral 4. Agree 5. Strongly Agree It is enjoyable to just be with others who like celebrities. 1. Strongly Disagree 2, Disagree 3. Neutral 4, Agree 5. Strongly Agree 1 like watching and hearing about celebrities when I am in a large group of people. 1. Strongly Disagree 2. Disagree 3. Neutral 4. Agree 5. Strongly Agree J often feel compelled to learn the personal habits of celebrities 1, Strongly Disagree 2. Disagree 3. Neutral 4, Agree 5. Strongly Agree Thave frequent thoughts about celebrities, even when I don’t want to, 1, Strongly Disagree 2, Disagree 3. Neutral 4. Agree 5. Strongly Agree For me, “following celebrities is like daydreaming because it takes me away from life’s hassles.” 1, Strongly Disagree 2. Disagree 3. Neutral27 4, Agree 5, Strongly Agree The successes of celebrities are my successes also. 1, Strongly Disagree 2. Disagree 3, Neutral 4. Agree 5. Strongly Agree Thave pictures and/or souvenirs of celebrities which I always keep in exactly the same place. 1, Strongly Disagree 2. Disagree 3. Neutral 4, Agree 5, Strongly Agree When something good happens to celebrities I feel like it happened to me. 1, Strongly Disagree 2. Disagree 3. Neutral 4. Agree 5. Strongly Agree Jam obsessed with the details of celebrities’ lives. 1, Strongly Disagree 2. Disagree 3. Neutral 4, Agree 5. Strongly Agree Keeping up with news about celebrities is an entertaining pastime. 1. Strongly Disagree Disagree ‘Neutral Agree . Strongly Agree When celebrities di I feel like dying too Strongly Disagree Disagree Neutral Agree Strongly Agree ‘Whea something bad happens to celebrities I feel lke it happened to me, 1. Strongly Disagree BREE AweNe2. Disagree 3. Neutral 4. Agree 5. Strongly Agree When celebrities fail or lose at something I fee! like failure at myself. 1, Strongly Disagree Disagree Neutral Agree Strongly Agree Slender women are more attractive. 1, Strongly Disagree 2. Disagree 3, Neutral 4. Agree 5. Strongly Agree Women who are in shape are more attractive. 1, Strongly Disagree 2. Disagree 3, Neutral 4, Agree 5. Strongly Agree Tall women are more attractive. 1. Strongly Disagree 2. Disagree 3. Neutral 4. Agree 5. Strongly Agree Women with toned (lean) bodies are more attractive. 1, Strongly Disagree 2. Disagree 3. Neutral 4, Agree 5. Strongly Agree Shapely women are more attractive, 1, Strongly Disagree 2. Disagree 3. Neutral29 4. Agree 5. Strongly Agree ‘Women with long legs are more attractive. 1, Strongly Disagree 2. Disagree 3. Neutral 4. Agree 5. Strongly Agree Right now I feel... 1. Extremely dissatisfied with my physical appearance Mostly dissatisfied with my physical appearance Moderately dissatisfied with my physical appearance Slightly dissatisfied with my physical appearance Neither dissatisfied noe satisfied with my physical appearance Slightly satisfied with my physical appearance Moderately satisfied with my physical appearance Mostly satisfied with my physical appearance 9. Extremely satisfied with my physical appearance Right now I feel... 1, Extremely dissatisfied with my body size and shape Mostly dissatisfied with my body size and shape Moderately dissatisfied with my body size and shape Slightly dissatisfied with my body size and shape Neither dissatisfied nor satisfied with my body size and shape Slightly satisfied with my body size and shape Moderately satisfied with my body size and shape Mostly satisfied with my body size and shape 9, Extremely satisfied with my body size and shape Right now I feel. 1, Extremely dissatisfied with my weight Mostly dissatisfied with my weight Moderately dissatisfied with my weight Slightly dissatisfied with my weight Neither dissatisfied nor satisfied with my weight Slightly satisfied with my weight Moderately satisfied with my weight Mostly satisfied with my weight Extremely satisfied with my weight 22 ANEW SA Ana eD yaED ees30 Right now I feel 9. Extremely physically attractive Very physically attractive Moderately physically attractive Slightly physically attractive Neither attractive nor unattractive Slightly physically unattractive Moderately physically unattractive Very physically unattractive Extremely physically unattractive Right now I feel... 8. A great deal worse about my looks than I usually feel Much worse about my looks than usually feel Somewhat worse about my looks than I usually feel Just slightly worse about my looks than I usually feel ‘About the same about my looks than I usually feel Just slightly better about my looks than T usually feel ‘Somewhat better about my looks than I usually feel A great deal better about my looks than J usually feel Right now I feel that 1 look ee Aaya yy A great deal better than the average person looks Much better than the average person looks Somewhat better than the average person looks Just slightly better than the average person looks About the same than the average person looks Just slightly worse than the average person looks Somewhat worse than the average person looks Much worse than the average person looks ‘A great deal worse than the average person looks31 age References ae : mule Ricciardelli, R. (2015). 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