Abstract
Purpose – The purpose of this study is to identify images used in advertising directed toward young adults, investigate what young adults thought of these images, and explore how young adults used
these images.
Design/methodology/approach – A content analysis of 674 apparel and cosmetic advertisements
located in four fashion magazines (Elle Girl, Seventeen, YM, and TeenVogue) resulted in eight
categories. Participants (n ผ 32) viewed advertisements representative of the categories and answered
questions related to their thoughts about the model depicted in the advertisement and their use of the
images.
Findings – Participants’ used the models as a point of comparison. Participants primarily
commented on their own weight relative to the thin models and expressed a need to lose weight to
appear like them. With two categories of advertisements depicting average weight models participants
noted that the model appeared realistic. However, they did not draw comparisons between themselves
and these models.
Research limitations/implications – Young adults do make comparisons between themselves
and models used in fashion advertising. These comparisons were primarily downward. Use of
average-sized models may not be a solution to negative impacts on body image, as these participants
did not make use of the average-sized models as a point of comparison.
Originality/value – Young women do compare themselves with models used in advertising. They
recognize average weight women in advertising but do not make the same types of comparisons with
these models, suggesting that the use of average weight models may be a solution to advertising’s
impact on developing negative body images in young adults.
Keywords Advertising, Adolescents, Social processes, Fashion, Magazines
Paper type Literature review