Body Beautiful: Deconstructing Media Messages
Description: Baseline data has been gathered via an informal focus group. This project will generate new knowledge by conducting student-led research and focus group discussions that explore media messages and their influence, with the aim of empowering these adolescent females as change agents in their communities and beyond. Findings will be presented in both traditional formats and through visual and performing arts.
Media messages often communicate expectations on how females should behave, dress or look a in order to be valued. These messages may negatively affect cognitive performance, emotional well-being and mental and physical health. This study will engage African-American middle school females in an examination of the impact media messages have on social standards, body image, achievement, and personal relationships, and explore conflicting values between home, school and society.
Contact Person: Patricia M. Alvarez McHatton
Funding for Academic Year: 2007-08