Ultra-thin models

A recent study (Halliwell et al., 2010) suggests that young girls can be protected against the negative effects of ultra-thin models on their body image. One group of 10-13 year old girls were shown a video about the tricks used to unrealistic portrayals of models. When this group were later shown pictures of ultra-thin models they didn’t rate their body satisfaction and confidence as low as girls not exposed to the video. This suggests that understanding the tricks of the advertising trade may be useful in inoculating girls (and boys) against the potential effects on eating disorders.