Jessica Ridgway

Instagram Unfiltered: Exploring Associations of Body Image Satisfaction, Instagram #Selfie Posting, and Negative Romantic Relationship Outcomes

The purpose of this study was to examine the predictors and consequences associated with Instagram selfie posting. Thus, this study explored whether body image satisfaction predicts Instagram selfie posting and whether Instagram selfie posting is then associated with Instagram-related conflict and negative romantic relationship outcomes. A total of 420 Instagram users aged 18 to 62 years (M = 29.3, SD = 8.12) completed an online survey questionnaire. Analysis of a serial multiple mediator model using bootstrapping methods indicated that body image satisfaction was sequentially associated with increased Instagram selfie posting and Instagram-related conflict, which related to increased negative romantic relationship outcomes. These findings suggest that when Instagram users promote their body image satisfaction in the form of Instagram selfie posts, risk of Instagram-related conflict and negative romantic relationship outcomes might ensue. Findings from the current study provide a baseline understanding to potential and timely trends regarding Instagram selfie posting.

Is plus size equal? The positive impact of average and plus-sized media fashion models on women’s cognitive resource allocation, social comparisons, and body satisfaction

ABSTRACT During individual laboratory sessions, 49 women with an actual-ideal self-discrepancy randomly viewed 12 images of media fashion models varying in body types. Heart rate was recorded during image exposure. Self-report social comparisons and body satisfaction were measured following exposure to each image. A visual recognition test was administered following the last image. The results indicated that women reported the greatest body satisfaction and the least amount of social comparisons when viewing plus size models, but body satisfaction decreased and social comparisons increased when viewing average sized followed by thin size models. Further, as social comparisons increased (e.g., internal processing), external resource allocation and encoding decreased. The theoretical and applied implications from these findings are discussed.

A study on brand personality: consumers’ perceptions of colours used in fashion brand logos

Creating a likeable, relatable brand personality is one way that fashion brands can connect with consumers and increase profits. However, few studies have investigated how consumers perceive personality traits from a fashion brands marketing communications. The colour used in marketing communications is a powerful tool that helps consumers to make inferences about fashion brands. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether, upon exposure to a brand logo, consumers will assign personality traits to the brand that correspond with commonly held colour associations. An online survey was conducted with a national sample to test the hypotheses of the study. Findings indicated that consumers attributed brand personality traits to brand logo colours according to commonly held colour associations for some of the colours in the study. Knowing how consumers perceive the colours used in brand logos will help marketers to convey the appropriate brand personality traits of their brand.

The Compulsive Online Shopping Scale (COSS): Development and Validation Using Panel Data

The Internet is one of the most influential forms of mass media having revolutionized human behavior, with people spending more and more time online. However, excessive Internet use, which is also termed as “Internet Addiction”, can have negative consequences for an individual as well as the society in which they reside. This type of addiction is classified as behavioral addiction (DSM-5, American Psychiatric Association 2013). However, a group of American Psychiatric Association (APA) working members deemed insufficient research to consider additional behavioral addictions (e.g., compulsive buying) to be included in psychiatric nosology. Henceforth, one of the goals of this study is to shed light on what is considered “compulsive online shopping” to further support future DSM behavioral addiction classification modifications. The second goal of this study was to develop a compulsive online shopping scale (COSS) that is consistent with addiction criteria established in the DSM-5. And finally, we explored a few characteristic features related to compulsive online shoppers; both demographically and psychologically.

Creating a More Ideal Self Through the Use of Clothing: An Exploratory Study of Women’s Perceptions of Optical Illusion Garments

Using an exploratory approach, the current study, theoretically grounded in the self-discrepancy theory, investigated a woman’s perceptions of her body shape. The purpose was to understand how garments created with optical illusion prints or patterns affect women’s perceptions of body shape. Fifteen women were body scanned to determine their body shape and participated in an in-depth semistructured interview while viewing a personalized avatar (created from their body scan) depicted in the seven different optical illusion garments created by the researcher. Data analysis revealed six themes: (1) perception of self, (2) clothing and the body, (3) defining ideals, (4) preferences by body shape category, (5) effects of wearing optical illusions, and (6) a more ideal self. The results from this study indicated that optical illusion garments do effect the visual perception of body shape and can result in the perception of a more ideal body shape.

Before and After Avatar Exposure: The Impact of Body Scanning Technology on Body Satisfaction, Mood, and Appearance Management

Loker et. al. initiated a call for research investigating how third dimension (3-D) affects one’s perceptions of their own body by raising the following questions: Will the ability to see ourselves in 3-D increase body acceptance of normal variations and counteract the popular media images of what constitutes a beautiful body? Or will 3-D views increase dissatisfaction with our real bodies? In response, the researcher guided by self-discrepancy theory, investigated the unique experience of viewing one’s body in 3-D on participants’ self-reported levels of body satisfaction, mood, and appearance management. Results indicated that viewing one’s avatar in 3-D magnifies individuals’ actual–ideal (AI) self-discrepancies regardless of gender. The researcher observed decreased body satisfaction and mood when the magnitude of participants’ AI discrepancies increased. Both men and women indicated wanting to engage in greater appearance management behaviors postavatar viewing compared to baseline reports. The theoretical and applied implications are discussed.