An Examination of Factors Associated with Body Appreciation, Sociocultural Attitudes of Appearance, and Ratings of Diverse Performing Artists

Location

Taylor 405, Madison Union, JMU

Start Date

4-6-2019 9:00 AM

Description

Multiple studies have found that performing artists have low body image which may be associated with the media’s portrayal of performers. This study explores body attitudes among performing and non-performing arts students and the possible media influences on those attitudes. Undergraduate students (n=522) were asked to participate in an anonymous online survey and randomized to receive a video depicting either traditional performers (video A) or non-traditional size-varied performers (video B). While no significant difference was found between performing and non-performing arts students, overall body appreciation scores did significantly lower between the pre and post video surveys (p=0.002). Video B was found to be more diverse and empowering than video A, p<0.001. Results of a multiple linear regression indicated personal fitness, sociocultural, and body comparison thoughts were predictors of body appreciation scores, R2=0.465. Body image perception affects all students and can be influenced by opinions, fears, comparisons, and the media.

Presentation Type

Poster

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Apr 6th, 9:00 AM

An Examination of Factors Associated with Body Appreciation, Sociocultural Attitudes of Appearance, and Ratings of Diverse Performing Artists

Taylor 405, Madison Union, JMU

Multiple studies have found that performing artists have low body image which may be associated with the media’s portrayal of performers. This study explores body attitudes among performing and non-performing arts students and the possible media influences on those attitudes. Undergraduate students (n=522) were asked to participate in an anonymous online survey and randomized to receive a video depicting either traditional performers (video A) or non-traditional size-varied performers (video B). While no significant difference was found between performing and non-performing arts students, overall body appreciation scores did significantly lower between the pre and post video surveys (p=0.002). Video B was found to be more diverse and empowering than video A, p<0.001. Results of a multiple linear regression indicated personal fitness, sociocultural, and body comparison thoughts were predictors of body appreciation scores, R2=0.465. Body image perception affects all students and can be influenced by opinions, fears, comparisons, and the media.