Thinness = Beauty: Factors that Influence Women's Cognitive Bias Toward Weight Loss

Abstract

I created a framework for prioritizing the factors that influence women's cognitive bias toward slimness (WCBS), using multiple processes (modified Delphi method and analytic hierarchy process method) to overcome the limitation of using a single approach, and providing a visualization model to understand the problem and identify factors that influence WCBS. After 2 rounds of modified Delphi surveys and an analytic hierarchy process survey were completed by a panel of 16 experts, I constructed a model in which it was revealed that the priority (strength of influence) of the 4 identified WCBS dimensions was as follows: (1) mass media, (2) important others, (3) social factors, and (4) individual factors. My findings may help the mass media and educational institutions achieve social benefits by making accurate assessments and recommendations regarding WCBS.