USC studies how TV affects women’s health
The University of the Sunshine Coast is conducting ground-breaking research into the effects of certain television programs and advertisements on women’s health.
USC lecturers Dr Fiona Burnell, Lily O’Hara and Jane Gregg and Science Honours student Carolyn Siddel are studying the psychological and physical reactions of women when watching health messages about weight on TV.
Results of the research – which aims to assess the positive and negative impacts these messages have on women – are expected to be published in November.
Ms O’Hara said 26 volunteers, aged 19 to 60, watched samples of television programs and advertisements and underwent a series of tests examining blood pressure, heart rate and hormonal changes in their saliva.
“While watching television we monitored the volunteers’ blood pressure and pulse rate to see if the levels of stress caused were from excitement or stemmed from self-esteem issues," she said.
“We wanted to see if there were immediate health responses and whether or not we could detect them.
“We decided to focus on women as we thought they were more prone to self-esteem and weight problems."
Dr Burnell said this study was unique because it was multidisciplinary, incorporating aspects of immunology, public health and health promotion.
“Our areas often work separately and it is good to see them connect,” Dr Burnell said.
– Katrina Scott