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» Does high self-esteem moderate the negative effects of exposure to attractive models?

Does high self-esteem moderate the negative effects of exposure to attractive models?

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Creator: 

MacGillivray, Trista

Responsibility: 
Trista MacGillivray
Start Date: 
2000
End Date: 
2000
Date Range: 
2000 April 02
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1.78 MB of textual records (PDF)

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Audience: Undergraduate. -- Dissertation: Thesis (B. A.). -- Algoma University, 2000. -- Submitted in partial fulfillment of course requirements for PSYC 4105. -- Includes tables. -- Contents: Literature review / Thesis.

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Publication: 
Sault Ste. Marie, Ont.:
Standard No: 
OSTMA-PSYC-MacGillivray-Trista-20000402
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rec_shelfloc: 
2013-064-001
Repository: 
Algoma University Archive
Container Number: 
001
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Women report low self-esteem, poor body image, negative attitudes towards eating and negative moods following exposure to attractive models; however, self-esteem has not been evaluated independently of the latter variables. Using a 2x3 factorial design, this study compared the interactive effects of self-esteem and exposure to attractive models on 60 female university students and faculty. Self-esteem levels were manipulated by providing positive, negative or no feedback on a series of computer-implemented tasks. The groups were then divided into two exposure conditions, where groups evaluated photos, female fashion models or homes, on attractiveness. Finally, participants completed measurement scales on self-esteem, body image, body parts satisfaction, depression and mood. Results showed a significant main effect of exposure condition on self-esteem change scores. After viewing attractive models, groups showed no change in self-esteem scores; in contrast, after viewing attractive homes, groups did show an increase in self-esteem scores. The findings suggest that exposure to attractive models may suppress the intensifying effects of exposure to other attractive images, suggesting that self-esteem may be independent of negative attitude, body image and mood.

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