The purpose of this study was to experimentally examine the effects of exposure to the thin-ideal body image on women's affect, self-esteem, body satisfaction, eating disorder symptoms, and level of internalization of the thin-ideal. College women (N=145) were randomly exposed to photographs from popular magazines containing either thin-ideal images or neutral images. Exposure to thin-ideal magazine images increased body dissatisfaction, negative mood states, and eating disorder symptoms and decreased self-esteem, although it did not cause more internalization of the thin-ideal. Exposure to thin-ideal media images may contribute to the development of eating disorders by causing body dissatisfaction, negative moods, low self-esteem, and eating disorders symptoms among women.

This study explored the nature and functions of the binge and purge processes of those who suffer from bulimia nervosa. Using a qualitative research design, the researchers conducted semi-structured interviews with eight affected women, asking them to discuss their bingeing and purging experiences. Use of an emergent data analysis method revealed participants behaviors as attempts to cope and control, to improve self-regard and social status, to regulate emotion, and to provide physiological reinforcement. Implications of the findings for clinical practice are discussed.