Nutrition and Eating Habits in Adolescent Television Programs

Media research often argues that viewing certain media can increase the likelihood someone will develop an eating disorder or become obese. This study uses social cognitive and drama theory to discuss how adolescents may learn nutrition information and eating habits by watching television programs. Since adolescence is when people form eating habits, this exploratory study analyzes nutrition content in three top teen television shows. This quantitative content analysis found that the characters in teen television primarily have a healthy body size but consume unhealthy items. This may be sending a message to adolescents that unhealthy nutrition maintains a healthy body size. Although teen television addresses eating disorders, it ignores obesity. Entertainment education (EE) case studies show the effectiveness of incorporating health content into television programs. The results of this study urge health organizations to collaborate with the producers of television shows targeting adolescents to increase the prevalence of sensible eating on television.

Autorentext

Carly Nicole Dickson received a Bachelor of Arts degree in journalism from the University of Mississippi in 2006. Following graduation, Carly enrolled in graduate school at Louisiana State University's Manship School of Mass Communication. Her primary research interests include public relations and health communication.