Linking Media with Fitness Perceptions A Study on Essay Example For Students

Linking Media with Fitness Perceptions: A Study on Essay the Affect of Media on Fitness and Body Image Linking Media with Fitness Perceptions: A Study on Essay the Affect of Media on Fitness and Body Image Abstract A significant correlation was discovered between those who viewed the thin package and their attitudes on social fitness. However a low score in the self- acceptance scale in all three groups suggests a low self-concept within all participants. This supports my statement that there would be a connection between the fitness concept and the media packages as well as a constant self- concept maintained by all participants. In assessing personal attitudes it is often important to measure not only what an individual feels towards others but also his/herself. Prior research indicates this is especially important when measuring attitudes towards physical issues. It has been found that opposing views may be held simultaneously by individuals in regards to themselves and others. Also concern for how a response will reflect upon his/herself may negate an individual expressing his or her true attitudes. This research sought to assess the attitudes of high school students towards fitness and body image in the presence of different physical media icons. By monitoring the individuals response to both a third person scale and a personal scale, true attitudes can be assumed. In this study, the different groups were the independent variable, here in described as Group A, those exposed to the thin images, Group B, those exposed to athletic images, and Group C, those exposed to no images or the control group, whereas the groups score was the dependent variable. The surveys were distributed to thirty students, ten in each group, five of each sex. The dependent variable, in the Social Fitness Attitudes Scale, reflects the individuals attitude towards fitness in society and in a dating atmosphere. The higher the individuals score the more they are influenced by society, with a score of 46 being the accepted indication of society influence. In the Self Acceptance Scale, the lower the individuals score the lower their self concept with scores between 36-110 indicating low self acceptance, 111-150 average self acceptance, and 151- indicating high self acceptance. Throughout the use of both a general survey and a specific survey, true attitudes of students towards fitness and body image in the light of society have been recorded. Methods Participants Participants of this study were students of F.J. Brennan High School. For the purposes of this study, 30 participants were randomly chosen, creating 3 groups of 10 with 5 members of each sex. Consent was obtained from the individual before being surveyed. Anonymity of the participants was maintained by using no identifying information to make the comparisons. Measures The study employed the use of 2 surveys and 1 sheet of non identifying information. The first survey, Social Fitness Attitudes Scale, was used to study the individuals views on fitness in society and in a dating atmosphere. The second survey, Self Acceptance Scale, was used to illustrate the participants personal views on confidence in regards to others. 8th grade Universe & Stars Review These were followed by a brief sheet which asked for optional statistical information such as age and fitness status. Procedure Prior to the testing Group A was exposed to a package of images reinforcing a thin body, Group B was exposed to a package of images which reinforced an athletic build, whereas Group C was exposed to no such packages at any time during the survey. Once the testing was complete each participant was debriefed as to what the data would be used for and what each survey would reflect. With the surveys scored using their assigned keys computer analysis was used to obtain an Independent Sample t Test. Results Each survey was scored with its assigned scoring key, as depicted in Psychology for Living. The scores revealed by both Groups A and B show attitudes toward fitness influenced by society, A- t (18) = -4. 330, p > 0.05, B- t (18) = -1.732, p > 0.05, with Group A scoring 50 .