Objective Versus Subjective Comparisons Of Body Size Against Thin Media Models, Media Pressures, Internalization, And Body Satisfaction

This study examined associations among the objective and subjective comparisons of one's own body versus thin media models, media pressure, internalization, and body satisfaction. Korean females aged between 20 and 39 years (n = 300) completed an online self-report questionnaire incorporating measures of these constructs. Body mass index (BMI) and perceived body size similarity to thin media models were used to measure objective and subjective comparisons of one's own body to the thin bodies of media models. When both BMI and perceived body size similarity were tested simultaneously, only perceived body size similarity was found to be a significant predictor of media pressure. Results suggest that the subjective comparison to thin media models is a more powerful determinant of women's body image than objective comparison. Internalization was associated with body satisfaction and mediated the impact of media pressure on body satisfaction.