Anti-Aging Advertisements and Their Impact on Middle-Aged Women’s Self-Esteem in Appalachia
INTRODUCTION
This study will investigate the relationship between anti-aging product advertisements and the effect it has on Appalachian middle age women’s self-esteem. This experiment is important to the field of social work because it focuses on the well-being of individuals. Well-being is a primary concern when practicing in the field of social work. Secondly, when researching the effects of media on self-esteem, young women are often the examined group. Conducting this analysis will help expand knowledge and awareness of media’s effects on middle-aged women. Lastly, no research has been conducted in the Appalachian area regarding media’s impression
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It is common for women in many societies to view their physical appearance as a basis of their individual worth (Haboush, Warren, & Benuto, 2012). While it may not be healthy, it is a frequent theme seen throughout the United States. Nationally, the ideal woman is reflected as having a, “very thin body with long legs, light eyes, clear skin, and no wrinkles,” (Haboush, Warren, & Benuto, 2012, p. 668). Women who seek to achieve this ideal draw information about it from media because it reflects their worldview (Balcetis, Cole, Chelberg, & Alicke, 2013). Some women in the United States may feel pressure to attain this ideal and go to great lengths to achieve it. For example, Haboush, Warren, & Benuto (2012) stated in 2010, 10.7 billion USD was spent on cosmetic procedures, nearly all of which was completed to project youthfulness. Benbow-Buitenhuis (2014) reported the United States cosmetic industry was worth 700 million USD upon arrival in 1929 and since the 1970s has promoted potent anti-aging products promising daily improvements. It is no surprise these product’s promises have impacted women’s self-esteems. Upon further examination, is has been found many women believed attaining the ideal body would improve chances of security, success, intimacy, and life satisfaction (Haboush, Warren, & Benuto,