Positive Influence of Taylor Swift’s Candidness
Taylor Swift’s openness about her struggles with body image and disordered eating has positively impacted her fans, according to a study by the University of Vermont (UVM). The study, published in the July issue of the Social Science & Medicine journal, analyzed the top 200 TikTok and Reddit posts related to Swift, eating disorders, and body image, encompassing over 8,300 comments.
Key Findings
The study found that fans who felt a strong connection to Swift were influenced to positively change their behaviors and attitudes towards eating and body image. This conclusion was reached by co-author Lizzy Pope, a registered dietitian nutritionist and associate professor in UVM’s nutrition and food sciences department. Fellow study author Kelsey Rose, also a registered dietitian nutritionist and UVM clinical assistant professor, noted that fans found inspiration in Swift’s recovery from disordered eating and her subsequent success.
Parasocial Relationships and Their Limitations
The study highlighted the parasocial – or one-sided – relationship between Swift and her fans, known as “Swifties.” While many fans were positively influenced by Swift’s messages, the study also found that some continued to objectify her body, showing the limitations of personal disclosures in addressing systemic issues like anti-fat bias.
Swift’s Public Disclosures
Swift has publicly discussed her body image struggles, most notably in her 2020 documentary Miss Americana. In the film, she detailed how external perceptions of her weight and beauty standards affected her, sharing experiences of feeling her “tummy was too big” and facing speculation about pregnancy that led her to “just starve a little bit.”
Impact of “Miss Americana”
One significant comment from the study referenced Miss Americana: “To hear that Taylor had the same thoughts and the same problems as me and so many other people was so validating and so inspiring… I can honestly say if I didn’t have her inspiration I wouldn’t be where I am today… in recovery.”
“Anti-Hero” Music Video
Swift’s 2022 music video for her No. 1 hit “Anti-Hero” further addressed body image issues, depicting her disappointment when stepping onto a scale. Despite these messages, the study found that some fans still speculated about her weight, demonstrating the persistent challenge of changing public attitudes.
Role Model Status
Despite ongoing objectification, the study concluded that Swift serves as an effective role model for those battling disordered eating. Her influence was particularly noted during her Eras concert tour, which grossed over $1 billion.
Criticism and Defense
The study’s release coincided with a controversial Newsweek opinion column labeling Swift as “not a good role model” for being unmarried and childless at 34. The column, which many dismissed as misogynistic, contrasted sharply with the positive findings of the UVM study.
Conclusion
Taylor Swift’s candid discussions about body image and eating disorders have provided significant support and inspiration to her fans. The UVM study underscores the positive impact of celebrity disclosures on public attitudes towards body image, while also highlighting the ongoing challenges in addressing systemic issues like anti-fat bias.
