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Rowan University

Societal stereotypes affecting one's body image

Abstract

dc:description.abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine whether or not undergraduate students allow societal stereotypes within the media to affect their self-image. Existing literature will be reviewed to show influential factors within previous studies that affect people's self-image. Relevant data extracted from the literature review will then be examined and discussed to show the existing relationship between media and self-image. Data was then collected through a Sociocultural Attitudes Towards Appearance Scale-3 (SATAQ-3), a questionnaire developed by Thompson & Heinberg. In examining the independent sample t-test no significant difference was found between the experimental and nonexperimental group. Correlational analyses did show significant correlations amongst the four subscales, as well as within one of the survey questions on the SATAQ-3. A One Way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was also performed and revealed that score differed significantly amongst the four subscales within the SATAQ-3. Explanations of these results are discussed later within the limitations. Ways to improve further research when examining the media and self-image is also discussed.

Degree

thesis:*
Name thesis:degree_name
M.A. School Psychology-Professional School Psychology
Level thesis:degree_level
Thesis
Discipline thesis:degree_discipline
Psychology
Year dc:date.available
2014

Author and committee

dc:creator, dc:contributor.*
Author dc:creator
  • Gwathney, Angela
Contributors dc:contributor
  • Dihoff, Roberta

Subjects

dc:subject × 2

Identifiers

dc:identifier.*
Repository record dc:identifier
https://rdw.rowan.edu/etd/315
OAI identifier oai:identifier
oai:rdw.rowan.edu:etd-1314

Chain of custody

source
Harvested from
Rowan University
Base URL
rdw.rowan.edu/do/oai/
Last updated
2026-07-24
Source record
OAI-PMH GetRecord
citation

Gwathney, Angela. Societal stereotypes affecting one's body image. Thesis thesis, 2014. https://rdw.rowan.edu/etd/315