Children have loved Disney princesses since Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs premiered in theaters in 1937. While this adoration continues to grow in terms of princess movie ratings, some parents may wonder what effects these idealized images of young women might have on how their children feel about and express themselves. 

According to new research from the University of California, Davis, a favorite princess improved — but did not harm — young children’s confidence in their own bodies and the diversity of the ways in which they chose to play.

“People are critical of Disney princesses,” said Jane Shawcroft, a doctoral student researcher in the Department of Communication and lead author of a recent study. But researchers’ findings suggest parents, caregivers and mentors might want to give those princesses another look.

The paper, “Ariel, Aurora, or Anna? Disney Princess Body Size as a Predictor of Body Esteem and Gendered Play in Early Childhood,” was published online by the American Psychological Association journal Psychology of Popular Media in August.

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