Class Overview

 

Body Image, Media & Eating: A Socio-Psychological Perspective

 

Instructor Name and UVa Email Contact Information:

 

Matthew S. Zimmerman, Psy.D., ABPP

Assistant Director / Director of Training

UVa Student Health, Counseling & Psychological Services

Mz8u@virginia.edu

434-243-5150

 

Class Description:

Body image and eating attitudes develop through a complex interplay of biological, psychological, and socio-cultural factors. This course will specifically explore cultural influences reflected in the media including print, film, and television.  Particular attention will be given to the interaction of gender and culture, both in the United States and internationally. Students will view media content and be introduced to relevant research analyzing link between body image, eating attitudes, culture and media. Emphasis will be placed on active class participation. Students will also be responsible for a class presentation, an exam and final paper of approximately 10 pages. 

 

Required Text (include ISBN, specific edition)

 

Cash, T.F. & Smolak, L. (EdS.) (2011). Body Image: A Handbook of Science, Practice, and Prevention. New York:  Guilford
ISBN: 1-60918-182-4

Learning Outcomes:

 

The learning outcomes of this course are designed to enable the student to:

 

1.   Develop a beginning understanding of how to critically examine psychological survey and experimental research related to body image, eating attitudes and the media.

2.   Develop an understanding of the multiple factors associated with the development of body image and eating attitudes.

3.   Appreciate cultural influences on body image and eating attitudes, including those specific to gender, national affiliation, and particular American sub-cultures.

4.   Appreciate the relationship between media influences on body image and eating attitudes.

 

 

Assessment Components: Please specify types of assignments, tests, papers, and projects that will be assigned.

Exam:

You will be given a brief exam on Week 11, one week prior to your paper draft being due. The exam will be 50 multiple choice questions, focused on the most important information discussed in class thus far. This will be the only exam in this course. The week prior to this, there will be a brief “test prep” discussion.

Paper:

You will need to research and write a paper related to the relationship between the media and body image and/or eating attitudes.  The professor must approve the topic before you proceed.  The paper should be between 8-10 pages of text.  It is expected that the paper will be an exploration or your topic in which you support a hypothesis with available research.  Papers must be in APA format.  There is a minimum of 8 sources needed for the paper.  Grading of the paper will be based on both content and writing quality. 

A draft of your paper will be due two weeks prior to the due-date of your final paper. You are expected to bring the paper draft to class on that day and trade with another student assigned by the instructor. Your peer will edit the paper and is required to return it to you the next week in class, one week prior to the final paper’s due-date.

Paper drafts, the return of your peer’s paper, and final papers will be subject to a grading reduction of 5% per day that is past each respective due-date. You will not be penalized for late days on the final paper that are due to the late return of your draft by peer.

Presentations:

You will need to give a presentation of your paper topic and lead a consequent discussion immediately following the presentation.  The presentation should last approximately 12-15 minutes.  You are expected to facilitate the following discussion for an additional 10 minutes by engaging classmates in further exploration of your topic. Grading of presentation is based on the content and effectiveness of presentation style.

 

Required Additional Resources and Technical Components

Several research articles will be assigned to read and discuss in class. All articles will be available on the course’s collab site. Relevant videos may also be watched. The following is the bibliography of the assigned articles and videos.

 

Alexander, L.A. (1998). The prevalence of eating disordered behavior in sororities. College Student Journal 32(1), 66-75.

Becker, A. (2004). Television, disordered eating, and young women in Fiji: Negotiating body image and identity during rapid social change. Culture, Medicine & Psychiatry, (28), 533-559.

Bergstrom, R.L., Neighbors, C., & Malheim, J.E. (2009). Media comparisons and threats to body image: Seeking evidence of self-affirmation. Journal of Social and Clinical Psychology 28(2), 264-280.

Garrner, D.M., Garfinkel, P.E., Schwartz, D., & Thompson, M. (1980). Cultural expectations of thinness in women. Psychological Reports, 47(2), 483-491.

Gray, J.J. & Ginsberg, R.L. (2007). Muscle dissatisfaction: An overview of psychological and cultural research and theory. In J.K. Thompson (Ed.), The muscular ideal: Psychological, social and medical perspectives (pp.15-39). Washington, DC: American Psychological Association.

Harper, K., Steffanie, S., & Thompson, J.K. (2008). Viewership of pro-eating disorder websites: Association with body image and eating disturbances. International Journal of Eating Disorders, 41(1), 92-95.

James, K.A., Phelps, L., & Bross, A.L. (2001). Body dissatisfaction, drive for thinness, and self-esteem in African-American college females. Psychology in the Schools, 38(6). 491-496.

Jones, D.C., Vigfusdottir, T.H., & Lee, Y. (2004). Body image and the appearance culture among adolescent girls and boys: An examination of friend conversations, peer criticism, appearance magazines, and the internalization of appearance ideals.  The Journal of Adolescent Research, 19 (3), 323-339.

Klien, H., Shiffman, K.S. (2005). Thin is ‘in’ and stout is ‘out’: What animated cartoons tell viewers about body weight. Eating and Weight Disorders, 10(2), 107-116.

Rubinstein, S., & Caballero, B. (2000). Is Miss America an undernourished role model? Journal of the American Medical Association, 283 (12), 1569.

Tiggemann, M., & Pickering, A.S. (1996). Role of television in adolescent women’s body dissatisfaction and drive for thinness. International Journal of Eating Disorders, 20(2), 199-203.

Videos:

Kilbourne, J. (2010). Killing us softly 4: Advertising’s image of women (video). Northhampton, MA: Media Education Foundation.

Katz, J. (2002). Tough Guise: Violence, media and the crisis in masculinity (video). Northhampton, MA: Media Education Foundation.

 

Calendar of Meetings & Assignments:

Class                                      Topic                                                                                     Reading / Assignment

Meeting 1                           Course Overview:

                                             A History of Body Image & Eating Attitudes

                                             Self Understanding Exercise – “Associations”

               

Meeting 2                           Body & Identity from Birth to Death                        Cash & Smolak, Ch. 8-11

                                             Self-Understanding Exercise – “Whatcha           

                                             Got There Box”                

 

Meeting 3                           Mind & Body: Biological and Psychological            Cash & Smolak, Ch. 3-4, 13

                                             Bases of Body Image                                     

                                             Self Understanding Exercise – “Ma Familia”

 

Meeting 4                           Gender, Food & Attractiveness                                 Cash & Smolak, Ch. 2

                                             Self Understanding Exercise – “Food Attitude”      Jones et al (2004)

 

Meeting 5                           In Vogue: Print Media & Affects of “Ideal”           Bergstrom et al (2009)

                                             Female Body Exposure                                         Cash & Smolak, Ch. 11

                                             Self Understanding Exercise–“Magazine Cut-Outs”                                         

 

Meeting 6                           Miss America: The Epitome of Beauty?                  Rubinstein & Caballero (2000)

                                             “Miss Representation” Video                                    Garner et al (1980)

                                             Sizeism                                                                         Cash & Smolak, Ch. 21

                                             Self-Understanding – Thoughts about Fat            Newsom (2011)

               

Meeting 7                           Men and Muscle Dissatisfaction:                               Gray & Ginsberg (2007)

                                                Cultural and Media Influences                                   Cash & Smolak, Ch. 22

                                                Self-Understanding Exercise – “Good Looking Guys?”                                   

 

Meeting 8                           Opposing Directions: Ideals of                                    Katz (2002)                                                                                                          Bigger Men and Smaller Women                               (in class)

“Tough Guise” Video

                                                Presentation / Paper topics due

 

Meeting 9                           Portrayal of Women in Advertising:                         Kilbourne (2002)                                                                                               “Killing Us Softly” Video                                                                (in class)

                                               

Meeting 10                         Subcultures and Susceptibilities:                                               Alexander (1998)

                                                From athletes to sororities

                                                Test Prep; Presentations begin

 

Meeting 11                         Across the Nation: Exacerbating                                James et al (2001)

                                                & Mitigating Cultural Factors

                                                Exam                    

 

Meeting 12                         Across the World:                                                            Becker (2004)

                                                From Fiji to Iran               

                                                Paper drafts due – bring to class

                                               

Meeting 13                         TV, Internet & Music                                                     Harper et al (2008)

                                                Paper drafts returned in class

 

Meeting 14                         Jasmine to Julia: Portrayals of                                     Klein & Shiffman (2005)

                                                Female “Ideal” Beauty in TV & Film                          Tiggemann & Pickering (1996)

                                                Final Papers due                                                               Cash & Smolek, Ch. 6

 

 

Other Class Expectations (for Classroom/Internet and Web-Based classes, specify any live (synchronous) meetings dates, times, delivery mode)

 

Level and quality of participation:

This course will serve you best if each student takes responsibility for actively participating in discussions, analyses, and class activities. Class participation does not simply mean talking more, but rather thoughtfully contributing in a manner that furthers an intellectually stimulating discussion. Each student is different in the degree to which s(he) is comfortable speaking in class or feels s(he) has something meaningful to contribute at a given time. So it is not the quantity but rather the quality of your participation that matters. In preparing for each class (after the first), you will asked to generate questions from the readings or discussion. Specifically, you will be expected to bring four questions to each class - two questions that you think will contribute to that class’ discussion, as well as two questions about something you do not understand well enough or would like more information about.

 

 

 

 

Class Information
Class Instruction	You can access the course Collab site by going to http://collab.itc.virginia.edu/portal and choosing the Body Image, Media and Eating page.    Class instruction will consist of lecture and discussion, classroom activities, and group analysis of research articles.
Class Requirements	As a student in this seminar, it is your responsibility to attend all scheduled classes and actively participate in discussions.  If you miss a class, it is your responsibility to inform the instructor.  An absence on your scheduled presentation day will not be made up unless documentation is given to the instructor.  It is your responsibility to contact the instructor as soon as possible to discuss the possibility of a make-up assignment. There will also be a required exam, presentation and paper (see syllabus for details). For the paper and presentation, your work should show a critical analysis of research as well as understanding of the multiple factors associated with development of body image and eating attitudes, specifically related to your topics.
Evaluation Standards	Level and quality of participation             15% Exam                                                          25% Paper (content)                                           20% Paper (writing)                                           20% Presentation                                                                                20% For the paper and presentation, your work should show a critical analysis of research as well as understanding of the multiple factors associated with development of body image and eating attitudes, specifically related to your topics. For the exam, students will be graded based on their percentage of correct responses to multiple choice questions, and questions will be factual in nature.
Class Schedule	Class activities will include lecture, discussion, self-awareness exercises, and analysis of research articles related to body image, eating and the media. Additionally, media content will be reviewed as related to body image. Such activities are focused on increasing understanding of the multifactoral basis of body image, development of skills in analyzing psychological research, appreciation of cultural influences, and increased knowledge regarding the relationships between media, body image, eating and society.
Communication	Instructor will respond to student emails within three business days.
Assignments	All assignments will be posted on the course syllabus, available on the Collab site.
Resources	Resources, including research articles, and lectures (after each class), will be available on the Collab course site.
Gradebook	The gradebook will be used through an import at the end of the class regarding each student’s final grade and grade for each requirement in the course. Students will have grades for each requirement through the instructor no less than two weeks after each assignment has been completed.
Technical Support Contacts	·                     Login/Password: scpshelpdesk@virginia.edu ·                     UVaCollab: collab-support@virginia.edu ·                     BbCollaborate (Elluminate) Support: scpshelpdesk@virginia.edu or http://support.blackboardcollaborate.com
	University Email Policies:Students are expected to check their official U.Va. email addresses on a frequent and consistent basis to remain informed of University communications, as certain communications may be time sensitive. Students who fail to check their email on a   regular basis are responsible for any resulting consequences. University of Virginia Honor System:  All work should be pledged in the spirit of the Honor System at the University of Virginia.   The instructor will indicate which assignments and activities are to be done individually and which permit collaboration. The following pledge should be written out at the end of all quizzes, examinations, individual assignments and papers:  “I pledge that I have neither given nor received help a  on this examination (quiz, assignment, etc.)”.  The pledge must be signed by the student. For more information please visit Honor System Special Needs: It is the policy of the University of Virginia to accommodate students with disabilities in accordance with federal and state laws. Any SCPS student with a disability who needs accommodation (e.g., in arrangements for seating, extended time for examinations, or note-taking, etc.), should contact the Learning Needs and Evaluation Center (LNEC) and provide them with appropriate medical or psychological documentation of his/her condition.Once accommodations are approved, it is the student’s responsibility to follow up with the instructor about logistics and implementation of accommodations. Accommodations for test taking should be arranged at least 14 business days in advance of the date of the test(s). Students with disabilities are encouraged to contact the LNEC: 434-243-5180/Voice, 434-465-6579/Video Phone, 434-243-5188/Fax. Further policies and statements available: U.Va. Special Needs Website For further policies and statements about student rights and responsibilities, please see U.Va  Website (http://www.scps.virginia.edu/audience/students)

 

 

Body image and eating attitudes develop through a complex interplay of biological, psychological, and socio-cultural factors. This course will specifically explore cultural influences reflected in the media including print, film, and television.  Particular attention will be given to the interaction of gender and culture, both in the United States and internationally. Students will view media content and be introduced to relevant research analyzing link between body image, eating attitudes, culture and media. Specific topics will include a historical perspective of body image and eating, biological and psychological bases, development of body image through the lifespan, and the influences of TV, film, print media, and internet. Emphasis will be placed on active class participation. Most class meetings will include lecture, classroom exercises, and discussion. Students will also be responsiblefor a class presentation, an exam and final paper of approximately 10 pages.