Effects of exposure to plus-size fashion models on weight-related attitudes in bulimia nervosa: Findings from an exploratory study

Abstract

Background and Objectives

Eating disorders are often linked to the internalization of the thin-ideal and weight stigma. The present exploratory study investigates the effects of plus-sized fashion media on weight-related attitudes in bulimia nervosa (BN).

Methods

Women with BN (n=27) and without an eating disorder (n=28) were exposed to 17 pictures of plus-size fashion models. Participants rated the attractiveness of the models. Before and after the exposure task, participants completed questionnaires on their attitudes towards people with higher weight as well as thin-ideal media.

Results

The BN group rated the bodies of the plus-size fashion models as less attractive than controls, whereas no group differences were found in attractiveness ratings for the models' faces or full images. In both groups, negative attitudes about people with higher weight significantly decreased after viewing plus-size model pictures. Attitudes toward thin-ideal media remained unchanged, with scores higher for BN than controls.

Limitations

This exploratory study has several limitations, such as the lack of a control condition, small sample size, and reliance on only self-report data.

Conclusions

These exploratory results imply that the positive effects of plus-sized model images on reducing negative assumptions about people with high weight may not be limited to healthy individuals but also seem to extend to women with BN. Further controlled studies with larger samples and long-term assessments are needed to confirm these findings.