Does body appreciation or satisfaction buffer against idealised functionality-focused images of models?

Research suggests that greater levels of body appreciation and body satisfaction may protect women from negative outcomes when viewing media images of the thin-ideal. In this study, we compared the effectiveness of body appreciation and body satisfaction in ameliorating negative effects from viewing images of the traditional thin-ideal and the newer functional-ideal (i.e., models presented in active stances with a focus on the function of their body). A sample of 122 women (M = 24.43 years) from a regional university and the general community was recruited to complete an online study. Participants were randomly allocated to view images of models presented in either an active or posed stance, or images of scenery. Participants completed pre- and post-test measures of appearance and functionality satisfaction, as well as trait measures of body appreciation and satisfaction. Results showed that women had poorer outcomes after viewing the active but not the posed or scenery images. Neither body appreciation nor body satisfaction moderated effects. Active, functional images may be particularly insidious and further research is needed to identify effective protective strategies.