Graduation Term
2015
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Department
School of Communication
Committee Chair
Phillip J. Chidester
Abstract
This study investigates the influence of exposure to idealized body images on competitive reality television shows, specifically the effects on men and their body satisfaction, including a drive for masculinity and a drive for muscularity, as well as the perception of a potential partner. An overwhelming amount of research on the effects on women exposed to idealized images has been completed by previous researchers, but men have been disregarded in comparison regarding this topic. Furthermore, this study will rely on social comparison theory and cultivation theory as theoretical lenses to analyze how male viewers respond to idealized images of males in reality television.
Access Type
Thesis-Open Access
Recommended Citation
Shaffer, Caitlin Marie, ""Do You Even Lift Bro? "an Investigation of the Male Viewer's Response to Idealized Body Images in Competitive Reality Television." (2015). Theses and Dissertations. 437.
https://ir.library.illinoisstate.edu/etd/437
DOI
http://doi.org/10.30707/ETD2015.Shaffer.C