Do Sororities Promote Members' Health? A Study of Memorable Messages Regarding Weight and Appearance

This study examines the relationship between sorority communication practices and members' body images through the lens of organizational socialization and identification. Specifically, we analyzed 210 sorority members' memorable messages concerning weight and physical appearance using an...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Health communication 2015-04, Vol.30 (4), p.385-397
Main Authors: Reno, Jenna E., McNamee, Lacy G.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Body Image - psychology
Body Weight
College Fraternities and Sororities
Communication
Control theory
Female
Fraternities & sororities
Health behavior
Health Promotion
Humans
Personal appearance
Physical Appearance, Body
Prospective Studies
Self evaluation
Social Identification
Socialization
Southwestern United States
Students - psychology
Students - statistics & numerical data
Universities
Weight control
Young Adult
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Summary:This study examines the relationship between sorority communication practices and members' body images through the lens of organizational socialization and identification. Specifically, we analyzed 210 sorority members' memorable messages concerning weight and physical appearance using an inductive coding method. While many of the messages examined were affirming or complimentary in nature, the results of the analysis suggest that these types of messages may positively as well as negatively influence members' body images, behaviors regarding physical appearance, and social identities. These findings contribute to scholarly and practical understandings of the influences on college women's body image and health and the potentially powerful role that organizations play in shaping members' attitudes and actions concerning their eating, exercise, and other aspects of their appearance. Implications for future health communication research in other organizational contexts outside of sororities are also discussed. Additionally, the findings of the current study indicate the broad utility of a memorable messages approach and suggest the need for further examination of the ways in which differing organizational dynamics may demonstrate divergence from traditional sources of memorable messages.
ISSN:1041-0236
1532-7027
DOI:10.1080/10410236.2013.863702