A new study by Florida State University has found that plus-size models are improving women’s mental health.
The results come after the study showed a group of women in their twenties (who all expressed a desire to be thinner) images of thin, average and plus-size fashion models before being asked questions about their own body satisfaction and how much they compared themselves to the models.
As researchers recorded their psychological responses, they found when average and plus-sized models were displayed, women made fewer comparisons, paid more attention to the models and reported feeling higher levels of body satisfaction.
The study’s author from the FSU School of Communication, Russell Clayton, commented on the findings, saying: “We found overwhelmingly that there is a clear psychological advantage when the media shows more realistic body types than the traditional thin model.
“Therefore, it might be a useful persuasive strategy for media producers to employ plus-size models if the goal of the campaign is to capture attention while also promoting body positivity.”
