'U' researcher links magazine images to eating disorders

From Melrose Place to Mademoiselle magazine, media images of glamorously thin women permeate popular culture. According to recently published research by communications studies assistant Prof. Kristen Harrison, the media may share part of the blame for eating disorders and other unhealthy obsessions in women.

"The obsession with being thin is a cultural trend that the media are capitalizing on," Harrison said. "Young kids watch a lot of TV and they are influenced by what they see. I think media images play a big role in the way women think they should be."

KEVIN KRUPITZER/Daily Assistant Prof. Kristen Harrison contends in her research that the images of women portrayed by glamour and fitness magazines may account for as many as 10 percent of the causes of female eating disorders.

Harrison surveyed 232 female undergraduate students at the University of Wisconsin in 1994 and found that exposure to women's fitness and dieting magazines was correlated to eating disorders.

The findings, which were recently published in the Journal of Communication and the Journal of Broadcasting and Electronic Media, also show that women who frequently read fashion magazines are more likely than occasional readers to possess "a drive for thinness" and dissatisfaction with their bodies.

Harrison's research indicates that media exposure accounts for about 5-10 percent of eating disorder problems.

"The mass media is one of many problematic causes," Harrison said. "When you're dealing with an epidemic type of problem, something that is responsible for 5 to 10 (percent) is a significant factor."

The findings also indicate that about 15 percent of surveyed women meet the criteria for having eating disorders.

Magazine racks at local stores offer wide selections of periodicals devoted to fashion, fitness and dieting. Some female students agree with the findings, saying the media's role is critical in women's perception of their own bodies.

"I think that popular culture has a very negative impact on women's body image because they set unrealistic and unattainable standards for women," said LSA senior Monisha Shetty. "A lot of these images are put forth as ideals. They can undermine self-esteem and make young women feel inadequate."

Other students said the impact of the media depends on an individual's reaction.

"I think it depends on what kind of person you are," said LSA junior Sara Parent. "Some people are very confident and will not be affected at all. Others look at the images and think they're not meeting the perfect standards the world sets."

Harrison's research also shows that women who admire or want to be like a thin media personality are even more prone to eating disorders.

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