Date of Graduation

2003

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Type

MS

Committee Chair

Terry Wimmer

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to use a qualitative as well as quantitative approach to examining the sexual content, messages and images in Seventeen from 1990-2000, while applying the results to compare how it affects the relationship between the seductive gaze used in the advertisements in Seventeen and the self-worth of its audience. Qualitatively, 52 advertisements from the prom issues in Seventeen were analyzed. How the advertisements influenced the sexual attitudes and behaviors of female adolescents over a 10-year period was observed. Research indicated that the most predominant gaze that remained consistent in theme over time and increased in the later years was the seductive gaze. Quantitatively, 180 college-aged females were surveyed to measure their self-worth using The Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale. The quantitative study resulted in respondents reporting a lower measure of self-worth when viewing the realistic body image advertisement.

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