Through two experiments (N = 497), we documented how distinct portrayals of women in stories can impact readers’ engagement in social comparisons and influence important aspects of their self-concepts. Specifically, this research investigated the effects of character body size (thin vs. large), body esteem (low vs. high), and story ending valence (sad vs. happy) with two distinct storylines. Results indicated that high (vs. low) body esteem characters are not only rated more aspirational, but also led readers with greater self-discrepancy to report lower state body image, suggesting upward social comparison processes are at play. Further, results indicated that reading about characters with large (vs. thin) bodies can positively affect readers’ body image; however, this positive effect may be explained by downward social comparison. Findings highlight the complexities of body appearance and confidence. Strategies for effectively promoting body positivity via text-based interventions are discussed.

通过两次实验（N = 497），我们记录了故事中对女性的独特描绘如何影响读者参与社会比较并影响其自我概念的重要方面。具体来说，这项研究通过两个不同的故事情节调查了角色体型（瘦与大）、身体自尊（低与高）和故事结局效价（悲伤与快乐）的影响。结果表明，高（与低）身体自尊的角色不仅被评为更有抱负，而且还导致具有更大自我差异的读者报告状态较低的身体形象，这表明向上的社会比较过程正在发挥作用。此外，结果表明，阅读体型大（相对于瘦）的人物可以对读者的身体形象产生积极影响；然而，这种积极影响可以通过向下的社会比较来解释。调查结果突出了身体外观和信心的复杂性。讨论了通过基于文本的干预措施有效促进身体积极性的策略。