The effect of functionality-focused and appearance-focused images of models of mixed body sizes on women's state-oriented body appreciation

Associations between nature exposure and body image: A critical, narrative review of the evidence

Researchers, practitioners, and policy-makers are having to deal with the negative impact of body image concerns in populations globally. One cost-effective way of promoting healthier body image outcomes is through exposure to natural environments. A growing body of research has shown that spending time in, interacting with, and even just looking at natural environments can promote healthier body image outcomes. In this narrative review, I consider the different forms of evidence documenting an association between nature exposure and body image (i.e., cross-sectional and mediational, experimental and quasi-experimental, comparative, prospective, experience sampling, and qualitative research). Beyond this, I shine a critical light on the available evidence, highlighting concerns with methodological (i.e., who research has focused on and what types of natural environments have been considered), psychometric (i.e., how body image and nature exposure are measured), and conceptual issues (how the association is explained). I conclude that, although there are issues affecting the way the existing body of research is to be understood, there are reasons to be hopeful that nature exposure can be leveraged to promote healthier body image outcomes in diverse populations.

Associations Between Negative Body Image and Sexual Health Practices in Emerging Adults from Malaysia

Past findings on the association between negative body image and sexual health behaviors have been mixed and mostly derived from Western samples. The aim of the current study was to examine associations between indices of negative body image and sexual health practices that reduce the risk of disease transmission in emerging adults, and whether these associations are moderated by gender. Using an online survey, a convenience sample of 584 Malaysian adults aged 18-30 years (230 men, 354 women) completed measures of satisfaction with overall appearance, body size dissatisfaction, weight satisfaction, height satisfaction, and genital image evaluation. They also reported if they ever had partnered sex, condomless sex, and been screened for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), as well as their lifetime number of penetrative sex partners. Hierarchical logistic and ordinal regression analyses indicated that more positive genital image evaluation, but not the other body image indices, was significantly associated with having had partnered sex and fewer lifetime penetrative sex partners. None of the body image indices were significantly associated with condomless sex. All associations were consistent across men and women. For HIV testing, a significant interaction between genital image evaluation and gender emerged. However, this was reduced to non-significance after controlling for the number of penetrative sex partners. Overall, our findings underline the importance of promoting improved genital image in interventions aimed at increasing positive sexual health behaviors.

Does body positivity work for men as it does for women? The impact of idealized body and body positive imagery on body satisfaction, drive for thinness, and drive for muscularity

Exposure to body-positive imagery plays a positive role in women's body image. However, literature has not examined if this is the case for men too. In this study (N = 207), we examined the impact of idealized body and body-positive imagery on both men's and women's body satisfaction and body image concerns. Participants were asked to report their positive and negative mood, body satisfaction, drive for thinness, and drive for muscularity before and after being exposed to either control (landscapes and animals), idealized body, or body-positive imagery. Results showed that women were overall more dissatisfied with their bodies and reported a stronger negative mood and a higher drive for thinness than men. Men, instead, reported a higher drive for muscularity. Exposure to idealized body imagery decreased positive mood and body satisfaction in both men and women. In contrast, exposure to body-positive imagery increased body satisfaction and decreased the drive for thinness in both men and women. Drive for muscularity was not affected by the type of imagery. The findings show that idealized body and body-positive imagery have similar effects on men and women and showcase the importance of considering the effects of body-positivity content for both genders.

Experimental research on non-idealized models: A systematic literature review

Current literature on non-idealized models seems to offer mixed evidence on whether such models generate a positive body image and increase advertising effectiveness. To closely investigate this claim, we conducted a systematic review to summarize the empirical findings on the effects of non-idealized models on body image, well-being, and advertising outcomes among men and women. To contextualize these results, we also synthesized (1) the conceptualization of a non-idealized body size (i.e., labelling and operationalization), (2) the message accompanying the model (i.e., medium type and marketing intent), and (3) individual traits of participants tested as potential moderators. Three databases in different disciplines (i.e., ProQuest Psychology, Communication and Mass Media Complete, and Web of Science) were searched, and 86 unique studies were included in the review. While most studies found positive or null effects of non-idealized models on body image, well-being, and advertising outcomes, a small number of studies obtained negative results. These inconsistent findings could be explained by the large variety of labels and unclear operationalizations identified within our review. The conclusions of this review call for a clearer definition and measurement of non-idealized models.

An experimental investigation of whether body-positive messaging on fitspiration and diverse images can improve state body image in women

Viewing body-positive content on social media can benefit women's body image. Previous research has conceptualised body positivity broadly, and therefore it remains unclear whether some components are more useful than others. This study examined the impact of body appreciation or body functionality messages (in addition to a mixed condition) overlaid across different image types to influence women's body image. Young women (17-30 years, Mage= 21.53, N = 308) completed an online survey in which they were randomised to view either fitspiration or diverse images overlaid with messaging focusing on body appreciation, body functionality, or a combination. Participants completed pre- and post-test measures of appearance and functionality satisfaction, body appreciation, and body objectification / conceptualisation. Post-test measures of social comparison and perceptions of models were also taken. Results showed that message type did not interact with image type. Rather, exposure to diverse images increased appearance satisfaction and body appreciation, with no changes to functionality satisfaction (vs a decrease for the fitspiration condition). All conditions improved in self-objectification. Further, diverse images resulted in more favourable social comparisons. Our findings consider body positive content in a controlled way and show no differences across body appreciation or body functionality themes.

#BoPo: Does viewing body positive TikTok content improve body satisfaction and mood?

Body positivity - often referenced on social media as "#BoPo" - encourages acceptance towards all body types, including one's own body, and challenges the societal ideal of the very thin body. The current study examined whether viewing body-positive TikTok content improves state mood and body satisfaction. Participants were female undergraduate students (N = 156) who completed an online study where they were randomly assigned to view either body-positive, body-focused, or control TikTok videos for five minutes. Before and after viewing the TikTok content, participants completed questionnaire items to assess state affect and body satisfaction alongside other variables. Mixed between-within subject ANOVAs demonstrated that participants in the body-positive condition experienced an increase in body satisfaction and a decrease in negative affect after viewing the body-positive TikTok videos. In contrast, those in the body-focused condition experienced a decline in body satisfaction and positive affect and an increase in negative affect. This study provides preliminary evidence that TikTok content may be used as a positive outlet for body image, depending on the type of content being viewed.

Imagery versus captions: The effect of body positive Instagram content on young women's mood and body image

Body positive social media content aims to positively impact young women's body image and mood by challenging traditionally narrow beauty ideals. This online experiment investigated the effect of viewing body positive Instagram posts on young women's body image and mood, whilst focusing on understanding the impact of the images and captions in the posts. Overall, 195 young women (18-30 years old) were randomly assigned to view either body positive (consisting of images and captions), body positive captions only, body positive images only, or thin-ideal Instagram posts. Positive mood increased in all conditions pre to post exposure. Further, body satisfaction and negative mood improved pre-post exposure for all body positive conditions. However, when controlling for trait body appreciation significant effects only remained for the combined image and caption body positive condition. There were no significant differences in positive mood, state body appreciation, self-objectification, or broad conceptualisations of beauty between the three body positive exposure conditions. Therefore, to improve body satisfaction and mood, body positive content should include a combination of images and captions.

Integrating social media variables as predictors, mediators, and moderators within body image frameworks: Potential mechanisms of action to consider in future research

In this article, we consider how social media variables may be integrated as predictors, mediators, and moderators within dominant theoretical frameworks of body image in order to identify potential mechanisms of action that can be empirically examined in future research and used to direct prevention and intervention efforts. To achieve this goal, we first articulate social media variables that have been investigated as predictors, mediators, and moderators in body image research. Next, we present the following critical and sociocultural theoretical frameworks: social comparison theory, tripartite influence model, objectification theory, developmental theory of embodiment, acceptance model of intuitive eating, cultivation theory, and uses and gratifications theory. Additionally, we present the theory of development of critical body awareness, a newly developed model that may provide further insight regarding the relationships between social media and body image-related outcomes. For each model, we articulate extant research that has explored social media variables within its context and explicate how social media variables could potentially be studied as predictors, mediators, and moderators within its structure. To conclude, we address pertinent limitations and gaps within this research space that could direct future research across the theoretical frameworks.

The Perfect Storm: A Developmental-Sociocultural Framework for the Role of Social Media in Adolescent Girls' Body Image Concerns and Mental Health

In this theoretical review paper, we provide a developmental-sociocultural framework for the role of social media (SM) in adolescent girls' body image concerns, and in turn, depressive symptoms and disordered eating. We propose that the features of SM (e.g., idealized images of peers, quantifiable feedback) intersect with adolescent developmental factors (e.g., salience of peer relationships) and sociocultural gender socialization processes (e.g., societal over-emphasis on girls' and women's physical appearance) to create the "perfect storm" for exacerbating girls' body image concerns. We argue that, ultimately, body image concerns may be a key mechanism underlying associations between adolescent girls' SM use and mental health. In the context of proposing this framework, we provide empirical evidence for how SM may increase adolescent girls' body image concerns through heightening their focus on (1) other people's physical appearance (e.g., through exposure to idealized images of peers, celebrities, and SM influencers; quantifiable indicators of approval); and (2) their own appearance (e.g., through appearance-related SM consciousness; exposure to idealized self-images; encouraging over-valuing of appearance; and peer approval of photos/videos). Our framework highlights new avenues for future research on adolescent girls' SM use and mental health, which recognize the central role of body image.

Enriching sociocultural perspectives on the effects of idealized body norms: Integrating shame, positive body image, and self-compassion

Body image is an integral aspect of the psychology of the self. Idealized body images are ubiquitous in both traditional media forms (e.g., magazines, television) and social media (e.g., Facebook, Instagram). The classic sociocultural model of body image (i.e., the Tripartite Influence Model) emphasizes pathways between idealized body norms, appearance comparisons, internalization of body ideals, and body dissatisfaction and its outcomes. We summarize the model and identify some issues to be addressed in future work, particularly in light of the immense popularity of social media. We review three topics that are not included in the sociocultural model but that provide a more complete picture of the influence of societal body norms on body image: (1) body shame, (2) positive body image, and (3) self-compassion. Research on the nature, assessment, and relevance of these constructs is reviewed in detail. In terms of clinical applications of these areas of research for individuals at risk of body dissatisfaction, we suggest assessing for and targeting body shame, cultivating facets of positive body image, and teaching strategies for developing self-compassion.

Is a female physical empowerment campaign effective in improving positive body image, motivation for physical activity, and physical activity behavior in young female adults? A two-study experimental test of "This Girl Can"

This Girl Can is a campaign designed to empower women to increase physical activity. The campaign uses images/videos of women of diverse body weights/shapes, ages and ethnicities being physically active, emphasizing body functionality. First, we examined the effects of multi-session (N = 3) exposures to This Girl Can on body functionality, body appreciation and self-compassion (Study 1). Second, we explored if autonomous motivation for physical activity mediated effects of This Girl Can on physical activity (Study 2). Women (Study 1: N = 186, M (SD) age = 27.55 (14.01); Study 2: N = 153, M (SD) age = 28.31 (11.70)) were randomized to This Girl Can, or control videos/images depicting idealized women of thin/athletic body types being physically active (Study 1), or control videos highlighting physical activity benefits (Study 2). Outcomes were measured at baseline, post-test and 1-week follow-up. Study 1 results showed significant group by time interactions for body functionality (decreasing in the control group), body appreciation and self-compassion (both increased only in the experimental conditions). In Study 2, path analysis revealed no statistically significant mediation effect (ab = 13.18, 95 % CI [-107.92, 152.59]) of autonomous motivation. Future interventions designed to promote positive body image and self-compassion should incorporate media focusing on diverse women engaging in self-chosen physical activity.

Broad conceptualisations of beauty do not moderate women's responses to body positive content on instagram

Body positive content on Instagram may act as an antidote to the frequent depictions of thin and digitally modified images of women. Body positivity challenges narrow ideals by promoting diverse appearances and encouraging body appreciation. We examined the effects of congruent body positive messaging (unedited images of a diverse range of women presented with and without body acceptance captions) on state body image. This was the first study to investigate the moderating role of trait broad conceptualisation of beauty; a core component of body positive content and theories. Women 18-30 years (N = 233) were randomly assigned to view Instagram images of diverse women (e.g., varied body sizes, shapes, skin colour), either presented with or without body positive captions, or cityscape images. Pre- and post-test measures were taken of state body appreciation, appearance satisfaction, and positive mood, in addition to social comparison measures. Body appreciation and positive mood increased in all conditions. Appearance satisfaction only increased in the body positive conditions, with a larger effect size in the caption condition. Holding broad conceptualisations of beauty did not moderate findings. Captions did not change direction or amount of social comparison. Findings suggest that congruent body positive content may increase appearance satisfaction in viewers.

Body Positivity, but not for everyone: The role of model size in exposure effects on women's mood, body satisfaction, and food choice

Body Positivity (or 'BoPo') social media content may be beneficial for women's mood and body image, but concerns have been raised that it may reduce motivation for healthy behaviours. This study examines differences in women's mood, body satisfaction, and hypothetical food choices after viewing BoPo posts (featuring average or larger women) or a neutral travel control. Women (N = 167, 81.8 % aged 18-29) were randomly assigned in an online experiment to one of three conditions (BoPo-average, BoPo-larger, or Travel/Control) and viewed three Instagram posts for two minutes, before reporting their mood and body satisfaction, and selecting a meal from a hypothetical menu. Women who viewed the BoPo posts featuring average-size women reported more positive mood than the control group; women who viewed posts featuring larger women did not. There were no effects of condition on negative mood or body satisfaction. Women did not make less healthy food choices than the control in either BoPo condition; women who viewed the BoPo images of larger women showed a stronger association between hunger and calories selected. These findings suggest that concerns over BoPo promoting unhealthy behaviours may be misplaced, but further research is needed regarding women's responses to different body sizes.

Simulated nature and positive body image: A comparison of the impact of exposure to images of blue and green spaces

Previous research has shown that exposure to simulated natural environments, such as still images and film, promotes more positive state body image. However, this body of work has not distinguished between different types of natural environment, with the distinction between blue and green spaces being notable. Here, we asked a sample of 168 university students from the United Kingdom to complete a measure of state body appreciation before and after being randomly assigned to one of three groups in which they viewed images of blue spaces, green spaces, or built environments, respectively. A mixed analysis of variance showed that exposure to images of the natural environments, but not the built environments, significantly elevated state body appreciation. In addition, exposure to images of blue spaces had a stronger effect on state body appreciation than exposure to images of green spaces. These results replicate previous work showing that exposure to simulated natural environments promotes more positive state body image, but additionally shows that blue spaces may be more effective than green spaces. Implications of the present findings for the development of imagery-based interventions aimed at promoting healthier body image are discussed.

#Take idealized bodies out of the picture: A scoping review of social media content aiming to protect and promote positive body image

Much evidence has highlighted detrimental effects of social media on body image, and attention has turned towards identifying content that could support and promote positive body image. This study aimed to conduct a scoping review of the emerging evidence focused on social media content that might support positive body image. A total of n = 35 studies (21 experimental) examining social media were identified along with n = 11 studies not specifically focusing on social media but with clear implications. Overall, findings suggest that images that do not portray individuals are most helpful for body image, as well as those portraying appearances diverging from appearance ideals. Our review also identifies types of social media content that have so far not been found to protect body image, and those not sufficiently evaluated. Regarding textual captions and comments, the most promising avenue involves highlighting the contrived and unrealistic nature of social media content. However, empirical data are limited and not robust. Body acceptance-related statements have so far not been found to be helpful for body image, and findings regarding the usefulness of using social marketing strategies (such as hashtags) to identify content that may be more realistic is nascent and conflicted.

Objectifying the body positive movement: The effects of sexualizing and digitally modifying body-positive images on Instagram

The body positive movement on social media seeks to challenge narrow conceptualizations of beauty that media outlets traditionally perpetuate and reinforce. Through a 2 × 2 between-subjects online experiment, we examined how the nature and authenticity of body-positive imagery on social media affects female viewers and their evaluations of body-positive content (N = 425, M_age = 35.47, SD_age = 13.52). Specifically, participants viewed and reacted to a series of 10 body-positive images of women on social media varying in their degree of sexualization (sexualized vs. non-sexualized) and evidence of digital photo modifications (modification icons vs. no modification icons). A control group that featured landscape images was also included. Results indicate body-positive images that are considered sexualized and are believed to be digitally modified can undercut the movement's intended aims: Participants who viewed body-positive images that were sexualized (vs. non-sexualized) and included photo modification icons (vs. no modification icons) reported greater endorsement of traditional beauty ideals (e.g., thinness) and thought the images were shared for self-serving reasons (e.g., to gain likes/shares/endorsements); these relationships were mediated by the extent to which viewers believed these images were sexualized and digitally modified. Further, results indicate that sexualized body-positive images can instigate sexual objectification of others and oneself. Those who viewed control images (vs. experimental body-positive images) produced significantly fewer sexually objectifying words about others and themselves. Implications for both viewers and producers (e.g., individuals, corporations) of body-positive imagery on social media are discussed in light of objectification theory.

Body functionality: A review of the literature

Body functionality describes everything that the body is able to do, across diverse domains (e.g., bodily senses, creative endeavours). Nearly a decade ago, leading scholars identified research on body functionality as a priority for the body image field. The field has responded, as shown by the recent rise of body functionality research. We considered this an opportune time to (a) define body functionality (what it is and is not); (b) present theoretical frameworks of body functionality; (c) articulate first-generation and current measures relating to body functionality; (d) offer functionality-focused body image interventions that can improve appreciation for one's body functionality (and body image more broadly); (e) summarise additional areas of research related to body functionality and positive body image; and (f) provide considerations and directions for future research and interventions incorporating body functionality. Research has underscored body functionality as a valuable construct with respect to positive body image and well-being, particularly when individuals appreciate what their bodies can do and conceptualise their body functionality holistically. Yet, the experience of body functionality is nuanced across social identities. Overall, the field has greatly advanced knowledge about body functionality, and we are excited to see the next generation of research that emerges.

A social network approach to analyzing body dissatisfaction among sorority members using two network generators

Objective: This article uses social network analysis (SNA) to analyze how various measures of social connectedness relate to body dissatisfaction (BD) in sorority members.Participants: 208 sorority members participated in the study.Methods: Measures of social connectedness (network variables) were created based on two relational networks: persons members felt closest to and persons they spent the most time with. SNA tested whether demographic variables, body mass index (BMI), compulsive exercise, and network variables were related to BD in both networks.Results: Members reported BD was related to less social connectedness in the "close-to" and the "time-spent" networks, although specific network variables varied between the two. Compulsive exercise, BMI, and grade classification were related to BD in both networks.Conclusions: How a sorority member connects to others in her network could impact BD in this population. This study supports efforts facilitating increased social connection within a sorority as a means to decrease BD.

The role of body appreciation, weight bias internalization, and disordered eating behaviors among presurgical bariatric patients

BACKGROUND

Body appreciation and internalized weight bias have consistently been associated with eating behaviors. However, research has yet to examine the role of these variables among presurgical bariatric patients.

OBJECTIVES

The present study sought to assess the relationships between body appreciation and weight bias internalization, binge eating, disinhibited eating, and symptoms of depression and anxiety among a sample of presurgical bariatric patients. The study also sought to examine the extent to which body appreciation and weight bias internalization account for unique variance in disordered eating even when controlling for depression and anxiety.

SETTING

Academic medical center in the United States.

METHODS

Data were collected on body appreciation, weight bias internalization, eating behaviors, depression, and anxiety as part of a standard presurgical psychological evaluation for bariatric surgery (n = 319). Pearson correlations were used to assess relationships between all study variables. Multiple regressions were conducted to assess the roles of body appreciation and weight bias internalization on disordered eating.

RESULTS

Significant associations were found between low levels of body appreciation and high levels of weight bias internalization, disordered eating, and symptoms of depression and anxiety. Results indicated that body appreciation and weight bias internalization each significantly accounted for unique variance in symptoms of binge eating and disinhibited eating. Depressive symptoms were also statistically significant in all analyses.

CONCLUSION

Findings indicate the importance of conducting future positive body image research, as well as continuing to examine weight-related constructs, such as internalized weight bias, among bariatric surgery patients.

Are We There Yet? Progress in Depicting Diverse Images of Beauty in Instagram's Body Positivity Movement

As the literature on the narrowly defined standards of beauty portrayed in social media has increased, a newer focus on body positivity messages has also emerged. Body positivity challenges the unrealistic standards of beauty present in the media by the promotion and acceptance of diverse body sizes and appearances. In an effort to further understand the messages of body positivity in social media, this study examined the content of 246 body positive posts from the broad Instagram community. Results demonstrated an inclusion and appreciation of diverse physical appearances, as well as themes consistent with messages promoting body positivity. In contrast to content on popular body positivity accounts, several of the posts from the broader Instagram community did, however, contain contradictory messages, such as the promotion of weight loss or the praise of extreme thinness. Future research examining such contradictory messages in body positivity posts and their effects on body image and other related domains is warranted.

The case for body positivity on social media: Perspectives on current advances and future directions

In recent years, the body-positive movement has emerged on social media and has generated both support and criticism in pop-cultural discourse. We review the potential benefits and disadvantages of 'body positivity' on social media in light of theory and the available research. Based on the early evidence showing potential benefits of engaging with body-positive content on social media for positive body image, a case is made in support of this emerging content. Nevertheless, recommendations are made for future research with an emphasis on experimental and longitudinal investigations of actual health outcomes of engaging with body positivity on social media and clarification of the potential relationship between body positivity and objectification.

The effect of thin and average-sized models on women's appearance and functionality satisfaction: Does pose matter?

Idealised imagery depicting the functionality of a model's body (e.g., in fitness contexts) can trigger negative effects in viewers similar to, or worse than, traditionally posed images of models. Thus far, most of this research has been conducted on images of thin models. Building upon previous research, we examined the effect of pose (active versus posed) and body size (thin versus average-sized) on women's body satisfaction. In an online study, 379 women aged 17-30 years completed pre-test measures of appearance and functionality satisfaction before viewing models across one of five conditions: Thin Posed, Thin Active, Average Posed, Average Active, or Scenery images. Post-test measures were taken of body satisfaction and social comparison across appearance and functionality domains. Planned contrasts showed that exposure to thin models produced poorer appearance and functionality satisfaction and more upward comparison than exposure to average-sized models or scenery. Model pose was important only when the model had an average body size. Images of active average-sized models produced poorer appearance satisfaction and triggered more upward functionality-based comparison than when the average-sized models were posed. These findings suggest that although the thinness of the model is influential, how the body is presented can also affect satisfaction and comparison.

#bodypositivity: A content analysis of body positive accounts on Instagram

In the last decade, the body image literature has begun to extend beyond a primary focus on body image disturbances and examine the construct of positive body image. Similarly, "Body positivity" is a growing social media trend that seeks to challenge dominant societal appearance ideals and promote acceptance and appreciation of all bodies and appearances. The present study provides a content analysis of body positive posts on Instagram. A set of 640 Instagram posts sampled from popular body positive accounts were coded for physical appearance-related attributes and central themes featured. Results showed that body positive imagery typically depicted a broad range of body sizes and appearances. Additionally, while a proportion of posts were appearance-focused, the majority of posts conveyed messages aligned with theoretical definitions of positive body image. This study clarifies body positive content on Instagram, as well as highlights points of overlap and distinction from academic principles of positive body image and other appearance-focused social media content. Accordingly, the results offer theoretical and practical implications for future research and prevention efforts.