Young female adults' perspectives on the role which body image plays in reality television shows

Abstract

Media images of an unattainable ideal body are pervasive in contemporary society. The purpose of this qualitative study is to find out the perspectives of female young adults about body image as depicted in reality television shows. It also investigates whether reality television shows cultivate women's perceptions on body image and self-esteem, according to the informants' views. Eight women, aged nineteen to twenty-three, were interviewed about their experiences and understanding of the ways in which reality television shows impact women in society. The results were analysed through insights drawn by cultivation theory (Gerbner & Gross, 1976), indicating that the amount of time spent viewing reality television shows might impact women's body image and self-esteem. The influential nature of reality television shows was confirmed by all participants. Moreover, attractiveness was unanimously described as being related to concepts such as self-worth, confidence and health, rather than being solely dependent on physiology. Future research in this field may adopt a comparative approach by addressing both genders and analysing the ways in which reality television shows impact men, as well as incorporating other forms of media, such as social media and print media. The research sheds light on the need to create greater awareness of the ways in which the internalisation of messages from reality television shows may affect women's body image and self-esteem.