Two Views of Physical Attractiveness: Informational Influences on Women's Body Images

The present experiment examined the impact of presenting information about the Advantages of Attractiveness or the Limitations of Attractiveness on women's body image experiences. One hundred and thirty-eight college students completed a pretest packet containing measures that assess state and trait body-image evaluation and appearance-related psychological investment. One week later they listened to audiotapes containing research-supported information about either the Advantages of Attractiveness or the Limitations of Attractiveness. Afterward, participants completed the measures of mood, state body image, and quality of life, manipulation check questions, and a post experimental inquiry. As expected, highly invested participants had a poorer body image and a more negative mood compared to low invested participants. Furthermore, as predicted, body image did not change for low investment participants between pretest and posttest. Contrary to prediction, body image improved for the high investment participants between pretest and posttest, regardless of condition. At posttest, following exposure to the experimental conditions, those that heard the Limitations condition reported a more favorable body image than those who were exposed to the Advantages condition. Clinical, theoretical, and social implications of the findings are discussed.