22nd Annual Student Research Conference
Brave New Girl: Girls' Life and Answer-Seeking Adolescents
Jacqueline E. Gonzalez
Dr. Marilyn Yaquinto, Faculty Mentor
The relationship between media and tweens (9-13 year old girls) is often not understood. Yet studies have suggested a strong relationship between young readers and the literature they choose to read. The purpose of this research is to examine concerns of tweens by looking at reader-submitted questions to the columnists of Girls' Life magazine, a magazine that claims to be the top publication for 10 to 15-year-old girls. By analyzing the contents of this particular magazine, the researcher has developed a few points of notice: girls are much less frequently concerned about their self-perception via their body than assumed; girls are developing stronger senses of confidence in terms of romantic relationships; they are seemingly comfortable with discussing more controversial subjects then previously thought; lastly, relationship issues with those closest to them are the most concerning to these girls, expressing strong signs of anxiety and fear when approaching the subject.
Keywords: Communication, Girls' Life, Media studies, Adolescent development, Gender studies, Media effects
Topic(s):Communication
Interdisciplinary
Education
Presentation Type: Oral Paper
Session: 56-5
Location: VH 1010
Time: 3:45