“IAmSizeSexy”: A Health Communication Body Image Study

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

1-1-2020

Department

Educational Studies and Research

School

Education

Abstract

Objective

The aim of this study was to formatively evaluate a health communication campaign on body image targeting undergraduate female students.

Participants

A total of 331 students at a large public Midwestern university participated in the study.

Methods

Researchers used central intercept procedures to recruit students from residence halls. After viewing the campaign materials, students completed an online survey assessing their message endorsement and level of eating disorder symptomology and provided open-ended comments.

Results

Students appreciated the message and thought it was effective, though students with greater body image concerns were less receptive to the message. Thematic analysis indicated students perceive body image to be a relevant issue, yet they want the university to provide more attention to, and information on, the topic.

Conclusions

Overall, students understood the message and found it helpful. Nevertheless, students with body image issues responded less favorably, warranting the need for secondary and tertiary prevention.

Publication Title

Journal of American College Health

Find in your library

Share

COinS