Projects per year
Abstract
In this paper we consider the impact of digitally altered images on individuals’ body satisfaction and beauty aspirations. Drawing on current psychological literature we consider interventions designed to increase knowledge about the ubiquity and unreality of digital images and, in the form of labelling, provide information to the consumer. Such interventions are intended to address the negative consequences of unrealistic beauty ideals. However, contrary to expectations, such initiatives may not be effective, especially in the long-term, and may even be counter-productive. We seek to understand this phenomenon of our continued aspiration for beauty ideals we know to be unreal and even impossible. We draw on our respective disciplines to offer psychological and philosophical accounts for why this might be. We conclude that beauty ideals are deeply embedded in our aspirations, practices, and in our constructions of ourselves. Given this, it is not surprising that simply increasing knowledge, or providing information, will be insufficient to challenge them.
Original language | English |
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Journal | Health Care Analysis |
Early online date | 18 Jul 2016 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | E-pub ahead of print - 18 Jul 2016 |
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Dive into the research topics of 'Altered images: understanding the influence of unrealistic images and beauty aspirations'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.Projects
- 2 Finished
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The changing requirements of beauty: Concepts, norms and regulations.
Arts and Humanities Research Council
1/01/15 → 30/06/16
Project: Research Councils
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