Featured Post from University of Delaware

Unraveling the Impact of Barbie on Body Image and Self-esteem

Jul 27, 2023

1 min

Although she had a record breaking opening weekend at the box office, Barbie, the iconic doll that has been a staple in many childhoods, has always had a tumultuous relationship with girls and women around the world. Often seen as the epitome of desired beauty standards, the doll has played a major role in the cultural zeitgeist of the last 64 years since debuting.

Jaehee Jung, professor of fashion and apparel studies at the University of Delaware, can speak to the impact Barbie has had on body image issues, how it has affected young girls and womens' beauty ideals and even gender roles.

She notes that despite more increased diversity in dolls and franchises, this standard of beauty still has a major impact on all these areas of identity.

Jung's research focuses on body image issues and beauty standards in consumer culture.

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Jaehee Jung

Professor, Fashion and Apparel Studies

Prof. Jung examines the psychology of clothing and consumer behavior across cultures.

Consumer BehaviorBeauty StandardsFashion StudiesFashionLuxury Brands

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Jun 18, 2026

1 min

UD’s happiness expert appears on NPR's Hidden Brain to explain importance of a helping hand in a stressed-out America

Happiness isn’t just about chasing big, exciting moments. A lot of the science points to the smaller, everyday things that help people feel connected, calm and grounded. Simple habits like helping others when we see them struggling create a bigger impact than we often expect. University of Delaware's resident "happiness expert" Amit Kumar, a psychologist and assistant professor of marketing in UD's Lerner College of Business & Economics, appeared on NPR's Hidden Brain to discuss that very topic. Kumar discusses why sometimes it feels like we can't help others and how we can surmount those fears to build strong connections and also feel a greater sense of happiness. To speak with Kumar about this topic, click his profile.

Jun 11, 2026

1 min

Concussions in soccer featured

University of Delaware professor Tom Kaminski leads FIFA’s research on header safety and avoiding concussions. NBC10 Delaware Bureau reporter Tim Furlong tells us more about his findings.

Jun 9, 2026

1 min

The Business of Youth Soccer and Youth Sports Participation

With the 2026 FIFA World Cup less starting this week, the University of Delaware's John Allgood is available to discuss the business of soccer, youth sports participation and the tournament's impact on communities and the economy. A former United Soccer League top executive and instructor of sport management, Allgood has firsthand experience in both the business and development sides of the sport. Through his experience as a USL franchise owner, Allgood can discuss the World Cup’s economic impact and why the sport is a unifying force. He can discuss how the World Cup will boost participation and fan interest in soccer, especially among youth players. Allgood can address the tiered structure of soccer in the U.S., including the pay-to-play system in youth soccer that is different from development models in other countries. To arrange an interview with Allgood, send an email to MediaRelations@udel.edu.