hips and larger in the bust . Similarly , the image of the ideal man has become more lean and muscular . At the same time , the prevalence of eating disorders and cosmetic surgery is at an all-time high ( Harrison , 2003 ; Law & Labre , 1999 ). Past research has suggested that the amount and type of TV programming watched as well as magazines read can be detrimental to body image satisfaction , and can lead to eating disorders and plastic surgery ( Harrison , 2003 ; Morrison , Kalin , & Morrison , 2004 ).
The purpose of this study is to examine the media ’ s potential negative effect on appearance importance by taking a slightly different approach from previous research . My goal is to look at these potential effects in emerging adulthood as opposed to adolescence or adulthood , the focus of most of previous research . As I will discuss cultivation has been put forward as one of the most compelling explanation for the link between TV and negative body image . Based on insights from social comparison theory and social cognitive theory , I will argue that individuals who have a favorite character with a body that fits the “ ideal ” type ( i . e . the thin ideal for females and the muscular ideal for males ), will place more importance on appearance for themselves , place more importance on appearance for their romantic partners , and also be more likely to want to get cosmetic procedures . The focus on emerging adults for
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