Damson, Christopher M.

The primary purpose of this investigation was to quantify the effects of fitness media exposure on psychological affect utilizing the Solomon 4-group design. Volunteers were counterbalanced and randomly assigned to 30 minutes of viewing either a fitness or control magazine. State anxiety (STAI), tension, depression, anger vigor, fatigue, confusion, and global mood (POMS) were measured. Results indicate that pre-test sensitization was not a significant factor when testing the psychological factors in this investigation. Additionally, the outcomes associated with viewing ultra-fit images in popular media are not a benign experience and merit further examination.