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The Effects of Thin and Heavy Media Images on Overweight and Underweight Consumers: Social Comparison Processes and Behavioral Implications

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  • Dirk Smeesters
  • Thomas Mussweiler
  • Naomi Mandel

Abstract

This study examines how advertisements containing thin or heavy models influence the self-esteem of overweight, normal, and underweight consumers. Previous research has mainly examined the influences of variations of the comparison standard on self-evaluative outcomes, whereas we examine how the relative position of the self on the comparison dimension may moderate these effects. Three studies manipulated the size (thin vs. heavy) and extremity of the size (moderate vs. extreme) of advertising models and exposed these images to individuals differing in Body Mass Index (BMI) levels. Our findings indicate that social comparison processes and subsequent self-evaluative and behavioral outcomes are different for individuals differing in their BMI. (c) 2009 by JOURNAL OF CONSUMER RESEARCH, Inc..

Suggested Citation

  • Dirk Smeesters & Thomas Mussweiler & Naomi Mandel, 2010. "The Effects of Thin and Heavy Media Images on Overweight and Underweight Consumers: Social Comparison Processes and Behavioral Implications," Journal of Consumer Research, Journal of Consumer Research Inc., vol. 36(6), pages 930-949, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:oup:jconrs:v:36:y:2010:i:6:p:930-949
    DOI: 10.1086/648688
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    Cited by:

    1. Wan, Fang & Ansons, Tamara L. & Chattopadhyay, Amitava & Leboe, Jason P., 2013. "Defensive reactions to slim female images in advertising: The moderating role of mode of exposure," Organizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes, Elsevier, vol. 120(1), pages 37-46.
    2. van Horen, Femke & Pieters, Rik, 2012. "Consumer evaluation of copycat brands: The effect of imitation type," International Journal of Research in Marketing, Elsevier, vol. 29(3), pages 246-255.
    3. Denise Janssen & Leonard Paas, 2014. "Moderately thin advertising models are optimal, most of the time: Moderating the quadratic effect of model body size on ad attitude by fashion leadership," Marketing Letters, Springer, vol. 25(2), pages 167-177, June.
    4. Plotkina, Daria & Saurel, Hélène, 2019. "Me or just like me? The role of virtual try-on and physical appearance in apparel M-retailing," Journal of Retailing and Consumer Services, Elsevier, vol. 51(C), pages 362-377.
    5. Klesse, Anne-Kathrin & Goukens, Caroline & Geyskens, Kelly & de Ruyter, Ko, 2012. "Repeated exposure to the thin ideal and implications for the self: Two weight loss program studies," International Journal of Research in Marketing, Elsevier, vol. 29(4), pages 355-362.
    6. Karanika, Katerina & Hogg, Margaret K., 2016. "Being kind to ourselves: Self-compassion, coping, and consumption," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 69(2), pages 760-769.
    7. Antioco, Michael & Vanhamme, Joëlle & Hardy, Anaïk & Bernardin, Lidwine, 2012. "On the importance of social integration for minority targeting effectiveness," International Journal of Research in Marketing, Elsevier, vol. 29(4), pages 380-389.
    8. Viswanathan, Vijay & Sese, F. Javier & Krafft, Manfred, 2017. "Social influence in the adoption of a B2B loyalty program: The role of elite status members," International Journal of Research in Marketing, Elsevier, vol. 34(4), pages 901-918.

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