Becker et al.

What was the aim of the study on Fijian adolescent girls regarding television?

To investigate the impact of TV introduction on disordered eating attitudes among Fijian adolescent girls.

What type of study and experiment?

Prospective study and a natural experiment

What were the two sample groups in the study?

Fijian school girls aged 16-18 tested in 1995 and 1998.

What measurement tool was used to assess eating attitudes in the study?

The EAT-26 test, a standardized western test for eating attitudes.

Why was the EAT-26 not translated for the participants?

Because the participants were fluent in English, following an etic approach.

What was conducted?

Semi-structured interviews

What did the 1998 group answer?

Additional questions regarding dieting practices, body image and generational values

What significant change was noted in the EAT-26 scores from 1995 to 1998?

The average EAT-26 scores increased from 12.7% in 1995 to 29.2% in 1998.

What behavioral changes were observed in the Fijian girls after the introduction of television?

Dieting became more common, and girls desired to look like TV stars.

What did TV make them think?

Differently about their body

What conclusion was drawn from the study regarding disordered eating attitudes?

There was a significant increase in disordered eating attitudes and behaviors among Fijian girls following the introduction of television.

(+) Ecological validity

Conducted in a real-life environment.

(+) Applications

Study provides insight into how media exposure can influence body image and eating behaviours

(-) Generalisability

Sample bias (gender bias) only consisting of girls aged 16-18 limiting the generalisability to other age groups of boys