MARCS Monday Meeting (MMM) 19th August

MARCS Monday Meeting (MMM) Room BA-3.G.55, Bankstown campus

Join us at the next MMM on Monday 19th August 2019

Title: Size does matter: Attentional and perceptual biases in relation to bodies.

Speaker: Dr Nicole Thomas

The precise shape of the “ideal body” has changed over time. However, the existence of an ideal body in some form has led to high levels of body dissatisfaction. Importantly, attentional and perceptual biases to body-related stimuli contribute to body dissatisfaction in both clinical and non-clinical populations. The prevalence of social media is undeniable; indeed, most people check social media every day. Furthermore, it is increasingly simple to modify photographs prior to posting them on social media.

How does social media use and exposure to digitally altered photos relate to attentional and perceptual biases to body stimuli? Findings suggest that attention is preferentially drawn towards thin bodies, particularly when plus-size bodies are also present. Furthermore, regular exposure to unrealistically thin, idealised images on social media appears to change our perception of “normal”, leading to the belief that the average body is larger than it truly is.

Biography: Dr Nicole Thomas received her PhD in Experimental Psychology from the University of Saskatchewan in 2011. Nicole then moved to Australia to undertake a postdoctoral fellowship at Flinders University in Adelaide. In 2015, Nicole was awarded a DECRA from the ARC. Nicole is currently a senior lecturer at Monash University, working in the Addiction and Mental Health research unit, and her research focuses on body image, using experimental methods to identify mechanisms that contribute to body dysphoria and body dissatisfaction.

Thank you for your continued attendance at the MMM's.  Let's keep the momentum going.

MARCS staff and students are reminded that all meetings and workshops have an important role in building and maintaining the sense of community which is central to the success of MARCS as a cooperative and energetic research institute.  Your attendance is both welcomed and expected.

The zoom ID is: 627 146 998. Link to zoom https://uws.zoom.us/j/627146998