Message of the day: 18th January 2015

We are used to seeing very thin models on the covers of magazines, and a host of research has demonstrated that exposure to pictures of thin models can make us feel more anxious about our bodies. Yet, magazines have been reluctant to use models of average or above average size because they maintain that “thinness sells”.

But is it really thinness that sells, or could it be attractiveness, irrespective of body size? And does viewing pictures of attractive average-size models also make us feel anxious about our bodies? If not, a solution might be to use average-size attractive models in advertising. To examine this, researchers created advertisements for deodorants featuring images of thin models (UK size 8) and average-size (UK size 14) models. Importantly, to create the images of the average-size models, they used computer software to ‘stretch’ the bodies (but not the faces) of the thin models, thus changing their size but leaving their facial attractiveness unaltered.

Many have learningworksca.org generic cialis without prescription shown that a person who is stung is more likely to suffer from impotence. In addition it’s regarded as an extremely powerful anti-aging sildenafil tablets in india remedy. Each and every herb of Mast Mood oil on the male organ see for source cipla viagra india heals the harms, and naturally cures the tissues and the nerves that connect to the penis. Over time, discount viagra uk find out this now many people have developed certain self-help techniques while having sex to delay their ejaculation during intercourse. The researchers found that participants’ anxiety about parts of their body was higher in the thin models condition than in the average-size condition, despite both being equally attractive. So it is the thinness of models, rather than their attractiveness, which makes us feel worse about our bodies. And here is the good news: Both the thin and average-size models were rated as equally effective in advertising the deodorants! The authors concluded that by using average-size models, “advertising could avoid increasing body-focused anxiety in a large proportion of women while still successfully selling products”. Let’s hope the media takes this on board…

Reference: Halliwell, E., & Dittmar, H. (2004). Does size matter? The impact of model’s body size on women’s body-focused anxiety and advertising effectiveness. Journal of Social and Clinical Psychology, 23, 104-122.