Becker et al.

Aim: investigate the impact of TV introduction on disordered eating attitudes among Fijian adolescent girls

Procedure

Two samples: Fijian school girls (16-18)

A prospective study and natural experiment

Compared data from two groups

First Group: tested in 1995, shortly after television was introduced

Second Group: tested in 1998, three years later

Methods:

EAT-26 test: a standardised western test for eating attitudes, administered to both groups

The test wasn’t translated, as ppts were fluent in english (etic approach)

Interviews: semi-structured interviews

Measurements: weight and height were recorded

1998 group answered additional questions regarding dieting practices, body image and generational values

Findings

EAT-26 scores:

1995 average scores: 12.7%

1998 average scores: 29.2%

Behavioural changes:

Dieting became much more common

TV made them think differently about their body

Girls admired TV stars and wanted to look more like them

Conclusion

Found a significant increase in discorded eating attitudes and behaviours among Fijian girls following the introduction of television

Evaluation

(+) High ecological validity - study conducted in a real life environment

(+) Applications - study provides insight into how media exposure can influence body image and eating behaviours

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