Abstract
Utilizing a unique methodological approach, this study investigated subtypes of reality television (RTV) to study the influence of exposure to RTV on body image (body dissatisfaction and drive for thinness) as compared a more traditional weekly report of RTV viewing. Young adults (N = 472) completed online surveys measuring their exposure to RTV and perceptions of their own body image. Four types of RTV were uncovered. Regression analyses using these 4 factors demonstrated that exposure to competition-based RTV shows (e.g., Dancing with the Stars) predicted increased body dissatisfaction and drive for thinness. On the other hand, the weekly self-report of RTV viewing did not reveal any relationships between weekly exposure to RTV and body image. These findings underline the need for cultivation-based media studies that include program-based measures of genre-specific media exposure, especially when seeking to capture media effects related to RTV.
Notes
1Approximately 4.4% of the sample would be considered “underweight” by WHO standards.
2The item “I feel that I have a number of good qualities” was omitted due to an error in the data collection procedure.
3Means and standard deviations for the top 50 RTV shows are available upon request.
4 Flavor of Love was an RTV dating game show where female contestants competed for the attentions of Flavor Flav, a well-known rap artist. I Love New York and Charm School were spin-offs of Flavor of Love.
Note. BMI = body mass index.
**p < .01. ***p < .001.
Note. N = 328. Standard deviations appear in parentheses below means. AA = African.
American, CA = Caucasian.
*p < .001.