The fit beauty ideal: A healthy alternative to thinness or a wolf in sheep's clothing?
File version
Author(s)
Donovan, Caroline L
Zimmer-Gembeck, Melanie J
Bell, Hayley S
Ramme, Robin A
Griffith University Author(s)
Primary Supervisor
Other Supervisors
Editor(s)
Date
Size
File type(s)
Location
License
Abstract
Anecdotal testimony suggests the ‘fit’ female body ideal is ‘healthier’ than the thin ideal, because it simultaneously focuses on muscularity. However, statistical investigation into the outcomes associated with fit ideal internalisation is absent. Moderation analyses were used to investigate whether concurrent muscular internalisation mitigated the relationship between thin internalisation and; negative affect, body dissatisfaction, bulimic symptoms, and dieting. Further analyses were used to investigate whether concurrent thin internalisation amplified the relationship between muscular internalisation, compulsive exercise, and supplement use. No significant interaction was found on any of the outcome variables. Thus, the results suggest that incorporating muscularity into an ideal of thinness does not mitigate the detrimental eating and affective outcomes commonly associated with pursuing thinness. Equally, incorporating an ideal of thinness into one of muscularity does not appear to alter the detrimental behavioural outcomes commonly associated with pursuing muscularity. Such findings do not suggest fit internalisation is healthy for women.
Journal Title
Body Image
Conference Title
Book Title
Edition
Volume
25
Issue
Thesis Type
Degree Program
School
Publisher link
Patent number
Funder(s)
Grant identifier(s)
Rights Statement
Rights Statement
Item Access Status
Note
Access the data
Related item(s)
Subject
Social psychology
Public health
Sociology
Social and personality psychology