Disney’s blockbusters have fascinated children for generations and many dream of one day looking “as pretty as a princess”.
But scientists now say Cinderella and Aurora are among the countless characters who are more damaging to the self-esteem of young boys and girls.
New research led by the University of California has shed light on the connection between a child’s favorite princess’ body shape and her confidence.
Because of their thinness, Aurora, Snow White and Cinderella were believed to have a “less positive” influence on a child’s self-esteem.
In contrast, children who idolize Merida or Moana from Brave were far more confident due to their more “realistic” body types.
New research led by the University of California has shed light on the connection between a child’s favorite princess’ body shape and her confidence
10 Disney Princesses and Their Body Types
Thin
Realistic
“Disney princesses are presented to children as ambitious characters,” the authors wrote.
“For example, Disney princesses are often portrayed as extremely thin, and their thinness is often associated with their desirability (e.g., Snow White is referred to as the “fairest of all” and Aurora is blessed with the “gift of beauty”) their respective films).
“Therefore, Disney films featuring thin princesses may reinforce the societal narrative that thinness is more socially desirable, or as other authors have written, that goodness is equated with thinness.”
As part of their analysis, the researchers examined a data set of 61 Disney films, ranking a total of 112 characters based on their height.
Generally, princesses from older Disney films were classified as “skinny,” while more modern characters like Merida fell into the “normal-sized” category.
A group of parents were then asked which princess their child identified with most, in addition to other questions about their child’s perceived self-esteem.
Princess Elsa from Frozen was the clear winner in both the boys and girls categories, with her being the favorite at 76 and 94 respectively.
Meanwhile, “realistically tall” Moana took second place, while ultra-thin princesses like Elsa, Anna and Jasmine also featured in the top 10.
Overall, experts found that children had more positive attitudes toward their self-esteem when their favorite princess was average height.
A new study from the University of California claims that a child’s favorite princess and their self-esteem are linked
Princesses from older Disney films were classified as “skinny,” while more modern characters like Merida fell into the “normal-sized” category
Kids who adore Merida or Princess Moana from Brave are far more confident
In the California study, “Princess Anna” from “Frozen” was a popular favorite among the children
Snow White was among several princesses who were classified as “skinny” by researchers
But those with a thinner favorite princess had no significant association between the time they spent pretending to be her and their esteem.
This was the case for both boys and girls, but previous research suggests that boys may even be much more influenced by Disney’s princesses.
Psychologist Catherine Hallissey told Web that characters like this can influence long-standing attitudes, even if it goes unnoticed.
“Children and adults are influenced by everything around them. “So when children play with a certain type of toy, it influences their thoughts and attitudes,” she said.
“If that toy is an idealized version of beauty, it will impact the child’s perception of beauty and therefore how they feel they are living up to that idealized version of beauty.”
“So when a child plays with a toy that has a more realistic body type, the child is more likely to develop a more realistic view of body shape, size and proportions.”
Based on the results, the authors believe that average-sized characters are most beneficial to children and serve as a “protective context” for their appreciation.
They wrote: “Depictions of princess height in particular appear to be particularly effective for young children, although our analyzes suggest that thin princesses may not necessarily be harmful to young children.”
“Instead, our results suggest that princesses of average height create a protective context for children’s body esteem, particularly when they interact with these princesses through role-play.”
“These results deepen our understanding of the effects of media exposure on the development of body confidence and gender stereotypes in children and allow us to better understand the role Disney princesses specifically may play in children’s lives and growth.”
READ MORE: Children should learn how to build strong relationships in school to counter ‘Disneyfied’ depictions of love, scientists claim
If you ask a child what their favorite movie is, chances are they will name a Disney movie like Beauty and the Beast or Aladdin.
However, experts believe these films give them the wrong idea about what a healthy relationship looks like.
In “Aladdin,” the hero kidnaps Princess Jasmine from restrictive palace life, while in “Cinderella,” “Snow White,” and “Sleeping Beauty,” a young girl is rescued by a “handsome prince.”
Researchers at the University of Exeter surveyed young people and found that they felt a desire to learn skills that would help them build relationships at school.
In “Aladdin” (pictured), the hero kidnaps Princess Jasmine from the restrictive life of the palace. Experts believe Disney movies give the wrong idea of what a healthy relationship looks like