Looking down on Others to Feel Good about the Self: The Exposure Effects of Online Model Pictures on Men's Self-Esteem

Health Commun. 2020 May;35(6):731-738. doi: 10.1080/10410236.2019.1584780. Epub 2019 Mar 19.

Abstract

This study examined how exposure to online pictures of male models with different body sizes (thin, overweight) and physical attractiveness levels (attractive, unattractive) affected men's self-esteem (appearance- and weight-related self-esteem). Men exposed to attractive model pictures showed lower appearance-related self-esteem compared with those exposed to unattractive models. Among participants who were exposed to overweight models, those who were exposed to attractive models showed lower appearance- and weight-related self-esteem compared with those exposed to unattractive models. Men who saw themselves as more attractive or thinner than the models showed higher appearance- or weight-related self-esteem. The results imply a downward social comparison effect in which men reported higher self-esteem when exposed to model pictures they found less attractive or heavier compared with themselves.

MeSH terms

  • Body Image
  • Emotions
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Men*
  • Self Concept*