Date of Award
8-1989
Degree Name
Master of Arts
Department
Psychology
First Advisor
Dr. Chris Koronakos
Second Advisor
Dr. Mal Robertson
Third Advisor
Dr. Neil Kent
Access Setting
Masters Thesis-Campus Only
Abstract
A large percentage of normal adolescent females express dissatisfaction with their body image. This can lead to excessive dieting, an eating disorder, and problems with self esteem. This study attempts a group approach to increase body image satisfaction with normal seventh and eighth grade girls. Eight adolescent girls were paired on weight and assigned to an experimental or control group. The girls were assessed on measures of body image satisfaction using the Eating Disorder Inventory and a Silhouette Chart. The girls in the experimental group were exposed to a group intervention using modeling and cognitive restructuring designed to increase body image satisfaction. Measures were repeated on both groups. No change was found in either group on the Silhouette Chart. The four girls in the experimental group showed significant decreases in Drive for Thinness, Bulimia, and Effectiveness on the Eating Disorders Inventory (EDI). The experimental group showed no change as a whole on the Body Dissatisfaction Subscale of the EDI, however when divided by weight, girls heavier than the mean indicated decreased body dissatisfaction while lighter girls showed increased body dissatisfaction. Concerns regarding this are discussed.
Recommended Citation
Curtis Korstange, Kathleen G., "Increasing Body Image Satisfaction in Normal Adolescent Females" (1989). Masters Theses. 3573.
https://scholarworks.wmich.edu/masters_theses/3573