learning key question

Question 1

what is our learning key question?

Answer 1

Is the influence of role models and celebrities a cause of eating disorders (eg. bulimia nervosa/anorexia)?

Question 2

learning key question - ao1

Answer 2

• ED are an issue in the UK because over 1.6 million people in the UK are estimated to be affected but it’s more likely 4 million as so many who struggle do not seek help, therefore do not get recorded
• It’s an issue for individuals with ED because they have the highest mortality (death) rates among MHD. Of those surviving, 50% recover, whereas 30% improve and 20% remain chronically ill (long term).
• It’s an issue for society because Health care costs have been estimated as £80-100m with overall economic cost likely to be more than £1.26 bn per year.
• Therefore if role models and celebrities do play a role, interventions could be put in place to reduce their impact.

Question 3

learning key question - ao2 social learning theory

Answer 3

Social learning theory has application to the potential link between role models on TV/ social media and eating disorders as…

it suggests that eating disorders may be learnt by observing and imitating role models. Seeing a celebrity receive compliments for losing weight would act as vicarious reinforcement for the observer so they too are likely to try to lose weight.

Question 4

learning key question - ao2 operant conditioning

Answer 4

• Operant conditioning has application to the potential link between role models on TV/ social media and eating disorders as it suggests that when individuals upload weight loss photos to social media, ‘likes’ act as positive reinforcement, so dieting and exercising behaviour will be repeated.
• Body shaming comments act as positive punishment (unpleasant experience), therefore stopping individuals posting realistic, natural images leading to an inaccurate version of reality.

Question 5

learning key question - ao3 supporting evidence

Answer 5

P: Becker (2002) provides supporting evidence because she found…

E: Dieting increased by 69% after TV was introduced to Fiji
12.7% reported an EAT-26 score over 20 in ‘95, compared to 29.2% in ‘98
0% reported using purging to control weight in ‘95, but 11.3% reported this in ‘98

T: This suggests role models on TV have a significant influence on eating behaviours and may cause disorders.

Question 6

learning key question - ao3 supporting evidence can be criticised

Answer 6

However Bandura’s (1961) evidence for SLT can be criticised for having a weakness such as low ecological validity.

E: The children were exposed to an unknown aggressive role model and unfamiliar toys in an artificial lab setting, which was not an everyday nursery or home environment.

T: This limits the extent the results and SLT can be used to explain the influence of role models on eating behaviour on people in everyday settings.

Question 7

learning key question - ao3 contradicting evidence

Answer 7

P - Contradicting evidence is that despite celebrities having millions of followers, only a small percentage become anorexic.

E - This is supported by twin studies (Holland et al 1984) which found higher concordance rates in MZ twins (56%) compared to DZ twins (5%).

T - This suggests that genetic factors which influence anxiety and metabolism may also be involved in the cause of eating disorders.

Question 8

learning key question - ao3 conclusion

Answer 8

In conclusion, there is strong evidence to suggest that eating disorders are influenced by role models and celebrities who promote a particular body type. Thus interventions to limit their influence could save lives and reduce the cost of care for society.