Media Exposure or Pressure? The Mediating Role of Nonmediated Norms in Young Adults' Body Esteem

摘要

This study explores how media use, sociocultural, and individual differences factors influence college students' body esteem. Two hundred seventy-four college students participated in this online survey. Women reported lower body esteem than men. The influence of sociocultural pressure on body esteem was slightly more pronounced among men compared to women. Magazine reading and TV viewing had little bearing on body esteem. Sociocultural pressure was the most influential factor that contributed to both men and women's low body esteem. Specifically, the most salient predictor of low body esteem for both men and women was influence from family and friends. Not only did peer and family pressure have a direct impact, they also mediated the impact of media pressure on body esteem. This study offers a prime location in which to integrate studies of media influence and interpersonal communication. Limitations and directions for future research are also outlined.