Body Image. 2011 Sep;8(4):373-8. doi: 10.1016/j.bodyim.2011.05.005. Epub 2011 Jul 19.
Abstract
Studies
examining trends over time in mainstream magazines observe decreases in
women's figure size, and increases in figure exposure and amount of
diet/exercise content. Little is known, however, regarding the content
of African American magazines. Utilizing methods from classic studies,
this investigation examined content in Ebony, a magazine
with wide African American readership, from 1969 to 2008. We included
the full content of N=462 issues, with a total of N=539 cover images of
women, of which N=208 were full-body shots. Analyses indicated a
curvilinear relationship between time and figure exposure, with a recent
trend toward more full-body shots, similar to mainstream magazines.
Contrary to previous studies, however, the majority of figures across
time were average size, and a curvilinear relationship between time and
diet/exercise content showed peak content in the early 1990s. Results
are considered in context of research indicating African American women
show less body dissatisfaction than other racial/ethnic groups.
Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
