A University of Toronto study posits that most young women who are exposed to media images of thin models are actually inspired in a positive way. "Our findings suggest that these images may actually make young women feel good about themselves because they treat that image as a fantasy goal, thinking, She looks great and I could look like that, too," says psychology professor Peter Herman, co-author of the study. Before you call BS though, know that Herman then adds that "young women who are really super-invested in trying to emulate this image may be the ones who go on to develop a true eating disorder."
"The idea that these thin media ideals are inspiring rather than depressing is almost necessary to account for the fact that young women – and just about everybody else – spend a lot of time voluntarily exposing themselves to these images," he says.
Masochism is very mysterious, Dr. Herman.
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