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The Resource Identification with media celebrities : a self-discrepancy theory based examination of actual, ideal and ought identification, by Kari Michelle Wilson

Identification with media celebrities : a self-discrepancy theory based examination of actual, ideal and ought identification, by Kari Michelle Wilson

Creator
Author
Contributor
Summary
Identification with media celebrities and characters is an important consideration for media effects researchers. This dissertation project utilizes self-discrepancy theory, and the concept of multiple selves, as a theoretical basis to elucidate the role of identification in media effects processes. Self-discrepancy theory posits that an individual has three different self-guides: an actual self, an ideal self, and an ought self. Discrepancies arise when one's actual self does not align with one of the other two selves, leading to negative emotions. Based on these assumptions, this project aims to connect the process of identification to the activation of self-discrepancies in order to examine how exposure and identification lead to media effects. In doing so, I present three types of identification (actual, ideal, and ought) and investigate how exposure and identification with thin celebrities' appearance affects body image concerns and weight management behaviors among college women. Self-discrepancies have been an important consideration in examining effects on body image. After explicating the process of identification and self-discrepancy theory for the implications on women's body image, two studies were conducted to test the predictions. Study 1 used survey methodology to examine the relationship of self-discrepancy theory's predictions to identification, including identification's influence on emotions. Then, I test how exposure to three celebrities impacts the type of identification with the celebrity, and, in turn, the effect on body surveillance, body shame, and weight management behaviors. Results demonstrated that the three types of identification are distinct constructs, influence negative emotions, and differentially mediate the relationship between media exposure and body image concerns and weight management behaviors. Study 2 then attempted to experimentally manipulate self-discrepancy activation and exposure to thin celebrities to further test the posited effects. College women were exposed to either images of thin female celebrities or images of television series. Then, they either wrote an essay designed to activate an ideal discrepancy, an ought discrepancy, or no self-discrepancy activation. I predicted that exposure and activation of self-discrepancies would lead to higher levels of negative emotions, more body surveillance, body shame, and intention to engage in weight management behaviors. Results from Study 2 reveal activation of self-discrepancies did increase negative emotions. However, manipulations did not work out in the other ways I expected. Overall, these two studies provide general support for examining the process of, and motivation for identification from a self-discrepancy theory perspective. Results help to illuminate how identification with celebrities and characters occurs as well as provide potential for the role of ought identification in this process. Theoretical and practical implications of the findings are discussed, as well as limitations of the studies and directions for future research
Language
eng
Work
Publication
Extent
xi, 182 pages
Note
  • Vita
  • "UMI Number: 3545461."
  • "May, 2012."
  • Thesis supervisor/advisor: Hyunyi Cho
Isbn
9781267777164
Instance
Label
Identification with media celebrities : a self-discrepancy theory based examination of actual, ideal and ought identification
Title
Identification with media celebrities
Title remainder
a self-discrepancy theory based examination of actual, ideal and ought identification
Statement of responsibility
by Kari Michelle Wilson
Creator
Contributor
Author
Degree supervisor
Subject
Genre
Language
eng
Summary
Identification with media celebrities and characters is an important consideration for media effects researchers. This dissertation project utilizes self-discrepancy theory, and the concept of multiple selves, as a theoretical basis to elucidate the role of identification in media effects processes. Self-discrepancy theory posits that an individual has three different self-guides: an actual self, an ideal self, and an ought self. Discrepancies arise when one's actual self does not align with one of the other two selves, leading to negative emotions. Based on these assumptions, this project aims to connect the process of identification to the activation of self-discrepancies in order to examine how exposure and identification lead to media effects. In doing so, I present three types of identification (actual, ideal, and ought) and investigate how exposure and identification with thin celebrities' appearance affects body image concerns and weight management behaviors among college women. Self-discrepancies have been an important consideration in examining effects on body image. After explicating the process of identification and self-discrepancy theory for the implications on women's body image, two studies were conducted to test the predictions. Study 1 used survey methodology to examine the relationship of self-discrepancy theory's predictions to identification, including identification's influence on emotions. Then, I test how exposure to three celebrities impacts the type of identification with the celebrity, and, in turn, the effect on body surveillance, body shame, and weight management behaviors. Results demonstrated that the three types of identification are distinct constructs, influence negative emotions, and differentially mediate the relationship between media exposure and body image concerns and weight management behaviors. Study 2 then attempted to experimentally manipulate self-discrepancy activation and exposure to thin celebrities to further test the posited effects. College women were exposed to either images of thin female celebrities or images of television series. Then, they either wrote an essay designed to activate an ideal discrepancy, an ought discrepancy, or no self-discrepancy activation. I predicted that exposure and activation of self-discrepancies would lead to higher levels of negative emotions, more body surveillance, body shame, and intention to engage in weight management behaviors. Results from Study 2 reveal activation of self-discrepancies did increase negative emotions. However, manipulations did not work out in the other ways I expected. Overall, these two studies provide general support for examining the process of, and motivation for identification from a self-discrepancy theory perspective. Results help to illuminate how identification with celebrities and characters occurs as well as provide potential for the role of ought identification in this process. Theoretical and practical implications of the findings are discussed, as well as limitations of the studies and directions for future research
Cataloging source
MUU
http://library.link/vocab/creatorName
Wilson, Kari Michelle
Degree
Ph. D.
Dissertation note
Thesis
Dissertation year
2012.
Granting institution
Purdue University
Illustrations
illustrations
Index
no index present
LC call number
BF697.5.S43
LC item number
W55 2012
Literary form
non fiction
Nature of contents
  • bibliography
  • theses
http://library.link/vocab/relatedWorkOrContributorName
Cho, Hyunyi
http://library.link/vocab/subjectName
  • Self-discrepancy theory
  • College students
  • Women
  • Body image in women
  • Celebrities in mass media
Label
Identification with media celebrities : a self-discrepancy theory based examination of actual, ideal and ought identification, by Kari Michelle Wilson
Instantiates
Publication
Copyright
Note
  • Vita
  • "UMI Number: 3545461."
  • "May, 2012."
  • Thesis supervisor/advisor: Hyunyi Cho
Bibliography note
Includes bibliographical references (pages 136-151)
Carrier category
volume
Carrier category code
  • nc
Carrier MARC source
rdacarrier
Content category
text
Content type code
  • txt
Content type MARC source
rdacontent
Control code
944369359
Dimensions
28 cm
Extent
xi, 182 pages
Form of item
regular print reproduction
Isbn
9781267777164
Media category
unmediated
Media MARC source
rdamedia
Media type code
  • n
Other control number
UMI 3545461
Other physical details
illustrations
System control number
(OCoLC)944369359
Label
Identification with media celebrities : a self-discrepancy theory based examination of actual, ideal and ought identification, by Kari Michelle Wilson
Publication
Copyright
Note
  • Vita
  • "UMI Number: 3545461."
  • "May, 2012."
  • Thesis supervisor/advisor: Hyunyi Cho
Bibliography note
Includes bibliographical references (pages 136-151)
Carrier category
volume
Carrier category code
  • nc
Carrier MARC source
rdacarrier
Content category
text
Content type code
  • txt
Content type MARC source
rdacontent
Control code
944369359
Dimensions
28 cm
Extent
xi, 182 pages
Form of item
regular print reproduction
Isbn
9781267777164
Media category
unmediated
Media MARC source
rdamedia
Media type code
  • n
Other control number
UMI 3545461
Other physical details
illustrations
System control number
(OCoLC)944369359

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