1
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Mancin P, Vall-Roqué H, Grey W, Griffiths S, Bonell S. Let's talk about body neutrality: content analysis of #bodyneutrality on TikTok. J Eat Disord 2024; 12:199. [PMID: 39633454 PMCID: PMC11616157 DOI: 10.1186/s40337-024-01163-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2024] [Accepted: 11/25/2024] [Indexed: 12/07/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND To date, over 1.3 billion videos with the hashtag #bodyneutrality have been viewed on TikTok. Despite this, little existing literature has unpacked how body neutrality is conceptualised on TikTok. We examined how TikTok creators construct meaning and generate discourse surrounding #bodyneutrality. METHODS Extending on previous works in the body neutrality space, we conducted a hybrid content/thematic analysis of TikTok videos in three different languages (English, Spanish, and Italian). Initially, 300 videos displaying "#bodyneutrality" were identified on TikTok. The first 178 TikTok videos were analysed, following the principles of data saturation and feasibility. RESULTS We developed three themes: (1) The normalisation of diverse bodies, (2) The rejection of appearance as fundamentally important, and (3) Body neutrality is (better than) body positivity. CONCLUSIONS In line with conceptualisations of body neutrality in existing literature, some content emphasised the importance of devaluing physical appearance. Building on existing definitions, most creators also framed body neutrality as speaking to the fundamental humanness of owning a body and attempted to normalise various body shapes/sizes. Conversely, some content employed #bodyneutrality to promote or examine body positivity principles or to condemn appearance-based stigmatisation. Our study is one of the first to examine how body neutrality is understood and employed by people in the real world.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Mancin
- Department of General Psychology, University of Padua, Via Venezia, 8, 35131, Padua, Italy.
| | - Helena Vall-Roqué
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychobiology, Faculty of Psychology, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Wesley Grey
- Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Scott Griffiths
- Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Sarah Bonell
- Bolton Clarke Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia
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2
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Rodgers RF, Paxton SJ, Wertheim EH, Fuller-Tyszkiewicz M. Better than average Bopo: Identifying which body positive social media content is most helpful for body image among women. Body Image 2024; 51:101773. [PMID: 39096861 DOI: 10.1016/j.bodyim.2024.101773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2024] [Revised: 07/15/2024] [Accepted: 07/23/2024] [Indexed: 08/05/2024]
Abstract
Body positive social media content, and especially content that does not contain photos of bodies, has been shown to be helpful for body image compared to idealized social media content. However, body positive content is heterogenous and little is known regarding which types of content may be most helpful. This study examined self-reported body image and mood effects of different types of body positive content among women. A sample of 176 women, mean (SD) age = 21.77 (2.35) was recruited. Participants viewed body positive stimuli that were grouped into 14 different categories to represent the heterogenous nature of this social media content, including a text only category. Each image was rated in terms of its perceived effect on body image and mood. Findings suggested that the text-only category was rated most highly in terms of generating positive feelings towards the body and positive affect. Moreover, the comparative benefit of the text-only category was larger among women with higher BMI, and participants reporting closer proximity to the images, although not consistently across outcomes. Further work focused on understanding the effects of different types of body positive content is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel F Rodgers
- APPEAR, Department of Applied Psychology, Northeastern University, Boston, USA; Department of Psychiatric Emergency & Acute Care, Lapeyronie Hospital, CHRU Montpellier, France.
| | - Susan J Paxton
- School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Eleanor H Wertheim
- School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
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3
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Hevron H, Weinbach N. Self-compassion and cognitive reappraisal restore female adolescents' body satisfaction and appreciation after appearance-related rumination. Body Image 2024; 51:101779. [PMID: 39128329 DOI: 10.1016/j.bodyim.2024.101779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2024] [Revised: 08/01/2024] [Accepted: 08/02/2024] [Indexed: 08/13/2024]
Abstract
Rumination regarding appearance is a major cause of body dissatisfaction among adolescents. Body image concerns in this age group may lead to considerable psychological distress. Studies suggest that adaptive emotion regulation strategies such as cognitive reappraisal and self-compassion can counteract the harmful consequences of rumination. The goal of the current study was to assess if and to what extent cognitive reappraisal and self-compassion can improve female adolescents' body satisfaction and appreciation after engaging in appearance-related rumination. Using an experimental design, 142 healthy female adolescents underwent an appearance-related rumination induction. Following this, participants were randomly allocated to one of three experimental conditions requiring to implement either self-compassion, cognitive reappraisal, or rumination using a writing task. State body dissatisfaction and appreciation were assessed at baseline, post-appearance rumination, and post-writing tasks. Appearance-related rumination increased state body dissatisfaction and reduced body appreciation in all groups. Importantly, state body dissatisfaction and appreciation fully restored to their baseline levels after implementing self-compassion and cognitive reappraisal, but not rumination. The findings provide empirical evidence regarding the negative consequences of appearance-related rumination among adolescents and demonstrate how adaptive emotion regulation strategies can assist in coping efficiently with appearance-related rumination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hadas Hevron
- School of Psychological Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel.
| | - Noam Weinbach
- School of Psychological Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel.
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4
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de Brabandere M, Vanwesenbeeck I, Hudders L, Cauberghe V. #workoutathome: How Instructions in the Captions of Fitfluencers' Posts Impact Adolescents' Body Satisfaction and Intention to Exercise. HEALTH COMMUNICATION 2024; 39:3044-3058. [PMID: 38173137 DOI: 10.1080/10410236.2023.2300903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
The present study examines how content of fitfluencers can be employed to improve body satisfaction and intention to exercise among adolescents. Specifically, this experimental study (N = 114 adolescents, age: 16-18) compares the effects of fitfluencer content with instructional captions that contain exercise or workout instructions (as a form of edutainment) with those of self-focused fitfluencer captions that emphasize the fitfluencer's appearance. These two types of captions are found to induce no significant differences in either body satisfaction or intention to exercise. In addition, there were no significant indirect effects via state appearance comparison or self-efficacy. The results do show that less state appearance comparisons increase body satisfaction, and that more self-efficacy increases body satisfaction and intention to exercise. The results suggest that instructions in fitfluencer captions do not differ from self-focused captions in their effects on body satisfaction and intention to exercise among adolescents.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ini Vanwesenbeeck
- Tilburg School of Humanities and Digital Sciences, Tilburg University
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5
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Varaona A, Alvarez-Mon MA, Serrano-Garcia I, Díaz-Marsá M, Looi JCL, Molina-Ruiz RM. Exploring the Relationship Between Instagram Use and Self-Criticism, Self-Compassion, and Body Dissatisfaction in the Spanish Population: Observational Study. J Med Internet Res 2024; 26:e51957. [PMID: 39088263 PMCID: PMC11327623 DOI: 10.2196/51957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2023] [Revised: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 03/23/2024] [Indexed: 08/02/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The widespread use of online social networks, particularly among the younger demographic, has catalyzed a growing interest in exploring their influence on users' psychological well-being. Instagram (Meta), a visually oriented platform, has garnered significant attention. Prior research has consistently indicated that Instagram usage correlates with heightened levels of perfectionism, body dissatisfaction, and diminished self-esteem. Perfectionism is closely linked to self-criticism, which entails an intense self-scrutiny and is often associated with various psychopathologies. Conversely, self-compassion has been linked to reduced levels of perfectionism and stress, while fostering greater positive affect and overall life satisfaction. OBJECTIVE This study investigates the relationship between Instagram usage (time of use and content exposure) and users' levels of self-compassion, self-criticism, and body dissatisfaction. METHODS This study comprised 1051 adult participants aged between 18 and 50 years, either native to Spain or residing in the country for at least a decade. Each participant completed a tailored questionnaire on Instagram usage, along with abbreviated versions of the Self-Compassion Scale, the Body Shape Questionnaire, and the Depressive Experiences Questionnaire, spanning from January 23 to February 25, 2022. RESULTS A positive correlation was observed between daily Instagram usage and self-criticism scores. Participants of all age groups who spent over 3 hours per day on Instagram exhibited higher self-criticism scores than users who spent less than 1 hour or between 1 and 3 hours per day. Contrary to previous findings, no significant relationship was detected between Instagram usage time and levels of self-compassion or body dissatisfaction. Furthermore, content centered around physical appearance exhibited a positive correlation with self-criticism and body dissatisfaction scores. Among younger participants (aged 18-35 years), those who primarily viewed beauty or fashion content reported higher self-criticism scores than those consuming science-related content. However, this association was not significant for participants aged 35-50 years. Conversely, individuals who predominantly engaged with sports or fitness or family or friends content exhibited higher levels of body dissatisfaction than those focusing on science-related content. No significant associations were observed between self-compassion scores and daily Instagram usage or most-viewed content categories. CONCLUSIONS The findings of this study underscore the considerable impact of Instagram usage on self-criticism and body dissatisfaction-2 variables known to influence users' psychological well-being and be associated with various symptoms and psychological disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Varaona
- Department of Medicine and Medical Specialities, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Alcala, Alcalá de Henares, Spain
| | - Miguel Angel Alvarez-Mon
- Department of Medicine and Medical Specialities, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Alcala, Alcalá de Henares, Spain
- CIBERSAM-ISCIII (Biomedical Research Networking Centre in Mental Health), Madrid, Spain
- Ramón y Cajal Institute of Sanitary Research, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Hospital Universitario Infanta Leonor, Madrid, Spain
| | - Irene Serrano-Garcia
- Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Hospital Clínico San Carlos, Madrid, Spain
| | - Marina Díaz-Marsá
- Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Hospital Clínico San Carlos, Madrid, Spain
| | - Jeffrey C L Looi
- Academic Unit of Psychiatry and Addiction Medicine, The Australian National University Medical School, Canberra, Australia
- Consortium of Australian Academic Psychiatrists for Policy, Research and Analysis, Canberra, Australia
| | - Rosa M Molina-Ruiz
- Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Hospital Clínico San Carlos, Madrid, Spain
- Fundación para la Investigación Biomédica del Hospital Clínico San Carlos, Madrid, Spain
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6
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Merino M, Tornero-Aguilera JF, Rubio-Zarapuz A, Villanueva-Tobaldo CV, Martín-Rodríguez A, Clemente-Suárez VJ. Body Perceptions and Psychological Well-Being: A Review of the Impact of Social Media and Physical Measurements on Self-Esteem and Mental Health with a Focus on Body Image Satisfaction and Its Relationship with Cultural and Gender Factors. Healthcare (Basel) 2024; 12:1396. [PMID: 39057539 PMCID: PMC11276240 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare12141396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2024] [Revised: 07/05/2024] [Accepted: 07/09/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
This narrative review examines the interplay among body image perceptions, social media influence, physical measurements, and their impact on psychological well-being, focusing on the roles of cultural and gender differences and the need to understand the research methodologies employed in this field. In the age of digital proliferation, platforms like Instagram and Facebook have reshaped body image concerns, often leading to increased dissatisfaction and psychological distress due to constant exposure to idealized images and a culture of social comparison. Physical attributes such as weight, height, and BMI are scrutinized under societal standards of health and attractiveness, contributing to a spectrum of mental health issues including low self-esteem, depression, and eating disorders. This examination reveals how cultural norms and gender expectations further complicate body image perceptions, affecting individuals differently based on societal and personal ideals. It synthesizes current research and types of methods to illuminate how these factors together influence mental health and self-esteem, advocating for comprehensive interventions and policy measures aimed at mitigating body dissatisfaction and promoting a healthier, more inclusive understanding of body image. By delving into the complexities of body image satisfaction and its psychological implications, this review highlights the necessity of addressing these concerns within public health and social policy frameworks, underscoring the importance of a multifaceted approach to enhance individual and societal well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Merino
- Faculty of Sports Sciences, Universidad Europea de Madrid, 28670 Madrid, Spain; (M.M.); (J.F.T.-A.); (A.M.-R.)
| | | | - Alejandro Rubio-Zarapuz
- Faculty of Sports Sciences, Universidad Europea de Madrid, 28670 Madrid, Spain; (M.M.); (J.F.T.-A.); (A.M.-R.)
| | | | - Alexandra Martín-Rodríguez
- Faculty of Sports Sciences, Universidad Europea de Madrid, 28670 Madrid, Spain; (M.M.); (J.F.T.-A.); (A.M.-R.)
| | - Vicente Javier Clemente-Suárez
- Faculty of Sports Sciences, Universidad Europea de Madrid, 28670 Madrid, Spain; (M.M.); (J.F.T.-A.); (A.M.-R.)
- Grupo de Investigación en Cultura, Educación y Sociedad, Universidad de la Costa, Barranquilla 080002, Colombia
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7
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Mazzeo SE, Weinstock M, Vashro TN, Henning T, Derrigo K. Mitigating Harms of Social Media for Adolescent Body Image and Eating Disorders: A Review. Psychol Res Behav Manag 2024; 17:2587-2601. [PMID: 38978847 PMCID: PMC11229793 DOI: 10.2147/prbm.s410600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2024] [Accepted: 06/22/2024] [Indexed: 07/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Social media has negative effects on adolescent body image and disordered eating behaviors, yet adolescents are unlikely to discontinue engaging with these platforms. Thus, it is important to identify strategies that can reduce the harms of social media on adolescent mental health. This article reviews research on social media and adolescent body image, and discusses strategies to reduce risks associated with social media use. Topics covered include interventions aimed at mitigating social media's negative impacts, the body-positivity movement, and policies regulating adolescents' social media use. Overall, this review highlights specific factors (such as staffing, duration, modality, facilitator training, and cultural sensitivity) to consider when designing and implementing social media interventions targeting adolescents. This review also discusses psychosocial outcomes associated with body positivity on social media. Finally, policy efforts to reduce the negative impact of social media on adolescents' body image and eating behaviors are described. In sum, there is a strong need to conduct further research identifying optimal approaches to reduce the harms of social media for adolescent body image and eating behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suzanne E Mazzeo
- Department of Psychology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Madison Weinstock
- Department of Psychology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | | | - Taryn Henning
- Department of Psychology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Karly Derrigo
- Department of Psychology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
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8
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Sullivan EJ, Trammell JP, Harriger JA. Two sides of the self-love coin: Self-compassion text-only posts and body positive photo-based content both positively affect body image. Body Image 2024; 49:101686. [PMID: 38554669 DOI: 10.1016/j.bodyim.2024.101686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2023] [Revised: 02/18/2024] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024]
Abstract
Although body-positive content is associated with increased positive body image, concerns regarding the continued focus on appearance have emerged. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine whether self-compassion text-only content provided benefits beyond traditional photo-based body positivity content. Undergraduates (n = 283; 179 women, 104 men) were randomly assigned to view body positive photos, self-compassion text-only content, or architectural images (control condition). Participants assigned to both experimental conditions demonstrated a significant increase in measures of state body appreciation, state body satisfaction, and state self-compassion, however they did not differ significantly from each other. The self-compassion condition also differed significantly from the control condition. Trait appearance comparisons moderated the relationship between experimental condition and state body appreciation and state body satisfaction, and gender did not affect the relationship between condition and the outcome measures. Results of this study support the inclusion of body-positivity images and self-compassion text-only content in social media interventions for improving body image for men and women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma J Sullivan
- Department of Psychology, College of Arts and Letters, University of Notre Dame, United States.
| | - Janet P Trammell
- Department of Psychology, Seaver College, Pepperdine University, United States
| | - Jennifer A Harriger
- Department of Psychology, Seaver College, Pepperdine University, United States
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9
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Rafiq A, Linden B. Social Media and Self-Concept Among Postsecondary Students: A Scoping Review. CYBERPSYCHOLOGY, BEHAVIOR AND SOCIAL NETWORKING 2024; 27:194-201. [PMID: 38315773 DOI: 10.1089/cyber.2023.0451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2024]
Abstract
The vast majority of college-aged students use social networking sites (SNS) to foster connectedness and enable networking. In addition, SNS allow individuals to control their online self-presentation. This may lead to incongruence between students' actual selves and their curated online selves, thereby damaging one's self-perception by increasing social comparison orientation. The goal of this article was to investigate the relationship between SNS use and self-concept that has not yet been explored in depth among the postsecondary population. Utilizing Arksey and O'Malley's methodological framework, a scoping review of the published literature was conducted. A total of 41 articles were included in the review. Three overarching themes were extracted from the findings. The first theme found that consistent exposure to the thin ideal and fitspiration posts across various SNS were linked to increased body dissatisfaction. The second theme found that engaging in online academic or ability-based comparisons resulted in a worsened mental state among postsecondary students. The third theme found that one's SNS followers or the number of "likes" received have mixed effects on student self-concept. Through gaining an improved understanding of the SNS stressors that contribute to students' mental health from this review, postsecondary institutions can implement more targeted interventions to bolster student wellbeing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amna Rafiq
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Brooke Linden
- Health Services and Policy Research Institute, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
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10
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Nawaz H, Rabia M, Javed H, Yousaf M, Mahmood S, Riaz M. Stimulating appearance comparison dynamics and their effects on psychological dysfunctions: The moderating role of self-compassion. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0293798. [PMID: 37943777 PMCID: PMC10635436 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0293798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2022] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023] Open
Abstract
In recent decades, attitudes towards appearance comparison, and self-disapproval have rapidly increased, and these are attitudes strongly associated with psychological disorders. The present study aims to investigate the underlying patterns of depression, appearance-based stress, dietary constraints, and social and celebrity appearance comparison among young adults. It also examines the role of self-compassion in moderating the relationship between psychological dysfunctions and appearance comparison as well as the criteria and influences contributing to appearance comparison. Data on BMI, the measures of depression, appearance-based stress, eating restraints, appearance comparison, self-compassion, and predictors of peers and celebrity appearance comparison were collected from 434 college students (Age: Mean = 22; SD = 2.36; Male = Female = 217) in Sialkot, Pakistan. The data was analyzed by using the Hierarchical Regression Model. The results revealed that respondents who compared their appearances to peers and celebrities had increased depression and appearance-based stress while eating constraints didn't affect the appearance-based comparison, stress, and depression. Moreover, self-compassion significantly moderated the relationship between depression, appearance-based stress, and appearance comparison whereas an insignificant moderation effect is observed between eating restraints and self-compassion. Despite psychological distresses such as depression, appearance-based stress, and eating restraints, appearance comparisons are connected to appearance-based victimization, media appearance pressure, social-cultural appearance pressure, appearance conversation, and self-consciousness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Humma Nawaz
- Department of Statistics, GC Women University, Sialkot, Sialkot, Pakistan
| | - Mahwish Rabia
- Department of Statistics, GC Women University, Sialkot, Sialkot, Pakistan
| | - Hubba Javed
- Department of Statistics, GC Women University, Sialkot, Sialkot, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Yousaf
- Department of Statistics, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, Islamabad, Pakistan
- Government Degree College Batkhela, Batkhela, Malakand, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
| | | | - Muhammad Riaz
- Centre for Trials Research College of Biomedical & Life Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
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11
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Martin G, Portingale J, Fuller-Tyszkiewicz M, Krug I. Do appearance comparisons mediate the effects of thinspiration and fitspiration on body dissatisfaction, happiness, and disordered eating urges in women's daily lives? Body Image 2023; 46:108-116. [PMID: 37271033 DOI: 10.1016/j.bodyim.2023.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2022] [Revised: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
We examined whether thinspo and fitspo exposure predicted women's body dissatisfaction (BD), happiness, and disordered eating (DE) urges (binge-eating/purging, restrictive eating, and exercise) in daily life. A further aim was to assess whether these effects were stronger for thinspo versus fitspo exposure and whether upward appearance comparisons mediated the effect of thinspo-fitspo exposure on BD, happiness, and DE urges. Participants (N = 380 women) completed baseline measures and a 7-day ecological momentary assessment (EMA) investigating state-based experiences of thinspo-fitspo exposure, appearance comparisons, BD, happiness, and DE urges. Multilevel analyses revealed that thinspo-fitspo exposure was associated with greater BD and DE urges (but unrelated to happiness) at the same EMA time point. However, there was no association between thinspo-fitspo exposure and BD, happiness, and DE urges at the next EMA time-point. Thinspo relative to fitspo exposure was associated with greater BD (but unrelated to happiness and DE urges) at the same EMA time-point. The proposed mediation models were not supported in time-lagged analyses; such that upward appearance comparisons did not mediate the effects of thinspo-fitspo exposure on BD, happiness, and DE urges. Current findings provide novel micro-longitudinal data on the potentially direct detrimental effects of thinspo-fitspo exposure on women's daily lives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgia Martin
- Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Jade Portingale
- Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Matthew Fuller-Tyszkiewicz
- School of Psychology, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, Australia; Centre for Social and Early Emotional Development, Deakin University, Burwood, VIC, Australia
| | - Isabel Krug
- Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
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12
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Davies B, Turner M, Udell J. Are humorous or distractor images more effective than self-compassion messages for combatting the negative body image consequences of social media? An experimental test of possible micro-intervention stimuli. Body Image 2023; 46:356-371. [PMID: 37473707 DOI: 10.1016/j.bodyim.2023.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Revised: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023]
Abstract
Appearance-focused images on social media are thought to be particularly detrimental for body image. However, social media sites can also be used to encourage positive health behaviours. Three linked experiments with 620 Instagram users explored the protective capabilities of appearance-related self-compassion and appearance-related humorous messages for women's body image during Instagram use. Using simulated Instagram browsing tasks, participants were exposed to a set of fitspiration Instagram posts mixed with either self-compassion or humorous body image messages, or appearance-neutral images. Results indicated that appearance-related self-compassion and humorous messages were not more effective at protecting against negative appearance and life satisfaction outcomes than appearance-neutral images, and did not influence appearance comparison (Experiment 1), even when the personal relevance to participants' health was reinforced through experimental manipulation (Experiment 2). Rather, the presence of any image which did not contain pictures of women, regardless of image content, led to improved body image outcomes compared to exposure to fitspiration images alone (Experiment 3). Interpersonal factors such as the similarity of a female target's appearance also influenced the nature of comparisons made. The study highlights the importance of diluting appearance-focused content with other social media images in ongoing research practice and for user well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bryony Davies
- Department of Psychology, King Henry Building, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth PO1 2DY, United Kingdom.
| | - Mark Turner
- Department of Psychology, King Henry Building, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth PO1 2DY, United Kingdom
| | - Julie Udell
- Department of Psychology, King Henry Building, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth PO1 2DY, United Kingdom
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13
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Christensen Pacella KA, Chen Y, Forbush KT, Cushing CC, Swinburne Romine R. Prospectively predicting naturalistic exposure to fitspiration and thinspiration in young women with disordered eating by leveraging an ecological momentary assessment design. Eat Behav 2023; 50:101767. [PMID: 37295375 PMCID: PMC10526890 DOI: 10.1016/j.eatbeh.2023.101767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2022] [Revised: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Although a growing body of research has examined the impacts of ED-salient content, such as fitspiration and thinspiration, on eating disorder (ED) symptoms, there is less known about the characteristics of who may be at risk for accessing this content on Instagram. Current research is limited by cross-sectional and retrospective designs. This prospective study used ecological momentary assessment (EMA) to predict naturalistic exposure to ED-salient content on Instagram. METHODS Female university students with disordered eating (N = 171, Mage = 20.23, SD = 1.71, range = 18-25) completed a baseline session, followed by a seven-day EMA protocol, in which they reported on Instagram use and exposure to fitspiration and thinspiration. Mixed-effects logistical regressions were used to predict exposure to ED-salient content on Instagram from four principal components (e.g., behavioral ED symptoms and trait social comparison) controlling for duration of Instagram use (i.e., dose) and day of study. RESULTS Duration of use was positively associated with all types of exposure. Purging/cognitive restraint and excessive exercise/muscle building prospectively predicted access to any ED-salient content and fitspiration only. Restricting positively predicted thinspiration only access. Purging/cognitive restraint positively predicted accessing fitspiration and thinspiration (dual exposure). Day of study was negatively associated with any exposure, fitspiration only, and dual exposure. CONCLUSIONS Baseline ED behaviors were differentially associated with exposure to ED-salient Instagram content; however, duration of use was also a significant predictor. Limiting use of Instagram may be important for young women with disordered eating to reduce probability of encountering ED-salient content.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Yiyang Chen
- Department of Psychology, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, United States of America
| | - Kelsie T Forbush
- Department of Psychology, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, United States of America
| | - Christopher C Cushing
- Department of Psychology, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, United States of America
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14
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Andrade FC, Erwin S, Burnell K, Jackson J, Storch M, Nicholas J, Zucker N. Intervening on Social Comparisons on Social Media: Electronic Daily Diary Pilot Study. JMIR Ment Health 2023; 10:e42024. [PMID: 37115607 PMCID: PMC10182465 DOI: 10.2196/42024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2022] [Revised: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Literature has underscored the dark aspects of social media use, including associations with depressive symptoms, feelings of social isolation, and diminished self-esteem. Social comparison, the process of evaluating oneself relative to another person, is thought to contribute to these negative experiences such that people with a stronger tendency to compare themselves with others are particularly susceptible to the detrimental effects of social media. Social media as a form of social connection and communication is nevertheless an inevitable-and arguably integral-part of life, particularly for young adults. Therefore, there is a need to investigate strategies that could alter the manner in which people interact with social media to minimize its detrimental effects and maximize the feelings of affiliation and connection. OBJECTIVE This pilot study examined the feasibility, acceptability, and effectiveness of a brief web-based intervention designed to alter engagement with social media and promote psychological well-being by encouraging social savoring as an alternative to social comparison. Social savoring was operationalized as experiencing joyful emotions related to the happiness of someone else's experiences (ie, feeling happy for someone else). METHODS Following an intensive longitudinal design, 55 college students (mean age 19.29, SD 0.93 years; n=43, 78% women and n=23, 42% White) completed baseline measures (individual differences, psychological well-being, connectedness, and social media use) and then 14 days of daily surveys on their social media activity and well-being. On day 8, the group that was randomized to receive the intervention watched a video instructing them on the skill of social savoring and was asked to practice this skill during days 8 to 14. RESULTS Overall, participants reported positive perceptions of the intervention. Participants who watched the intervention video reported significantly higher performance self-esteem (P=.02) at posttest than those in the control condition, after controlling for baseline levels. Participants also reported significantly higher state self-esteem (P=.01) on days in which they engaged in more social savoring while using social media, and the use of social savoring increased significantly (P=.01) over time, suggesting that participants found it helpful. Participants in both conditions reported significantly lower levels of social comparison (control: P=.01; intervention: P=.002) and higher levels of connectedness (control: P<.001; intervention: P=.001) at posttest than at baseline. CONCLUSIONS Initial evidence from this pilot study suggests that a web-based social savoring intervention may help minimize the potentially harmful consequences of social media use, at least in some domains. Future work is needed to examine the effectiveness and acceptance of this intervention in different age groups and in clinical samples that are in part characterized by higher levels of comparison with others (eg, people with eating disorders).
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernanda C Andrade
- Department of Psychology & Neuroscience, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Savannah Erwin
- Department of Psychology & Neuroscience, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Kaitlyn Burnell
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Jalisa Jackson
- Department of Psychology & Neuroscience, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Marley Storch
- Department of Psychology & Neuroscience, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Julia Nicholas
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, United States
| | - Nancy Zucker
- Department of Psychology & Neuroscience, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States
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15
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Thompson JK, Harriger JA. Body image and social media: The fault lines are clear - We need a seismic correction. Body Image 2023; 45:142-144. [PMID: 36913813 DOI: 10.1016/j.bodyim.2023.02.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/15/2023]
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16
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Tylka TL, Rodgers RF, Calogero RM, Thompson JK, Harriger JA. Integrating social media variables as predictors, mediators, and moderators within body image frameworks: Potential mechanisms of action to consider in future research. Body Image 2023; 44:197-221. [PMID: 36709634 DOI: 10.1016/j.bodyim.2023.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2023] [Revised: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tracy L Tylka
- Department of Psychology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA.
| | - Rachel F Rodgers
- Department of Applied Psychology, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Rachel M Calogero
- Department of Psychology, Western University, London, ON N6K 5C2, USA
| | - J Kevin Thompson
- Department of Psychology, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33620, USA
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17
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Pilot IG, Stutts LA. The impact of a values affirmation intervention on body dissatisfaction and negative mood in women exposed to fitspiration. Body Image 2023; 44:36-42. [PMID: 36455512 DOI: 10.1016/j.bodyim.2022.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2022] [Revised: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 11/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Fitspiration (fitness inspiration) exposure on Instagram has been associated with body dissatisfaction, but minimal research has investigated interventions to protect against its negative effects. Values affirmation interventions, in which individuals reflect on a higher value to affirm their sense of personal worth, could be helpful in this context. This online study's aim was to examine the impact of a values affirmation intervention on body dissatisfaction and negative mood in women exposed to fitspiration images from Instagram. Participants consisted of 238 female college students (Age M = 19.89, SD = 1.25) in the U.S. who were randomized into three groups: Values Affirmation Intervention + Fitspiration (described importance of top value and viewed fitspiration images), Control Intervention + Fitspiration (described their daily activities and viewed fitspiration images), and Travel (control-viewed travel images only). State body dissatisfaction and negative mood were completed pre- and post-exposure for all groups. Body dissatisfaction and negative mood significantly increased in the Control Intervention + Fitspiration, did not change in the Values Affirmation Intervention + Fitspiration group, and decreased in the Travel group from pre-exposure to post-exposure. These findings suggest that a values affirmation intervention could partially protect college women from the negative effects of fitspiration exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabella G Pilot
- Department of Public Health, Davidson College, P.O. Box 7135, Davidson, NC 28035, United States
| | - Lauren A Stutts
- Department of Public Health, Davidson College, P.O. Box 7135, Davidson, NC 28035, United States.
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18
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Di Michele D, Guizzo F, Canale N, Fasoli F, Carotta F, Pollini A, Cadinu M. #SexyBodyPositive: When Sexualization Does Not Undermine Young Women's Body Image. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:991. [PMID: 36673746 PMCID: PMC9858851 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20020991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2022] [Revised: 12/28/2022] [Accepted: 12/29/2022] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Research suggests that exposure to social networking sites portraying a thin and often sexualized beauty ideal reduces young women's body satisfaction, while exposure to body-positive content improves it. However, it is unclear whether sexualization could impair the beneficial effects of body-positivity messages. Young Italian women were exposed to one of three experimental conditions showing sexualized beauty ideals, sexualized body positivity, or non-sexualized body positivity that appeared either on Instagram (Study 1, N = 356) or TikTok (Study 2, N = 316). Across the two studies, results showed that, regardless of sexualization, exposure to body positivity increased body satisfaction and positive mood compared with pre-exposure measures, while exposure to sexualized beauty ideals reduced it. Participants in the sexualized beauty ideal condition also engaged in upward appearance social comparison whereas body positivity elicited downward comparison. Problematic social networking sites' use moderated the effects of condition on body satisfaction, appearance social comparison, and positive mood, while downward comparison mediated the relation between condition and body satisfaction and positive mood. Our results highlight both beneficial and critical aspects of body positivity that should be taken into consideration when designing body image interventions and policymaking.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Di Michele
- Department of Developmental and Socialization Psychology, University of Padova, Via Venezia 8, 35131 Padova, Italy
| | - Francesca Guizzo
- School of Psychology, Stag Hill Campus, University of Surrey, Guildford GU2 7HX, UK
| | - Natale Canale
- Department of Developmental and Socialization Psychology, University of Padova, Via Venezia 8, 35131 Padova, Italy
| | - Fabio Fasoli
- School of Psychology, Stag Hill Campus, University of Surrey, Guildford GU2 7HX, UK
| | - Francesca Carotta
- Department of Developmental and Socialization Psychology, University of Padova, Via Venezia 8, 35131 Padova, Italy
| | - Arianna Pollini
- Department of Developmental and Socialization Psychology, University of Padova, Via Venezia 8, 35131 Padova, Italy
| | - Mara Cadinu
- Department of Developmental and Socialization Psychology, University of Padova, Via Venezia 8, 35131 Padova, Italy
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19
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Castellanos Silva R, Steins G. Social media and body dissatisfaction in young adults: An experimental investigation of the effects of different image content and influencing constructs. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1037932. [PMID: 36968719 PMCID: PMC10031080 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1037932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Research shows negative correlations between media exposure of body images in the context of hegemonic beauty ideals and body satisfaction. The present study deals with the underlying mechanisms and the effects of different exposure contents. In the online experimental study, a sample consisting of 226 individuals (82.3% female, 17.7% male) received a three-minute exposure to Instagram images of women and men in the context of either hegemonic beauty ideals in the experimental group or body diversity in the control group. A conducted Mixed ANOVA with repeated measures showed significant group differences, including an increase in body dissatisfaction in the experimental group and a reduction in the control group after exposure. Statistically significant detrimental effects of exposure to images in the experimental group on women's state mood as well as descriptive similar tendencies on men's state mood were found. Moderating effects of the tendency to make upward social comparisons and the internalization of the gender-specific beauty ideal on the relationship between exposure content and the change scores of body dissatisfaction were found. Furthermore, a mediation model was calculated to investigate the effect of exposure content on post-measurement of body dissatisfaction, using the constructs "comparison processes regarding sexual attractiveness" and "assessment of one's own sexual attractiveness" as mediators. The model did not yield significant mediation, although significant relationships were found between the model components. Exploratory analyses were conducted on the influence of the assessment of one's own sexual attractiveness on related social comparisons and the intensity of engagement with Instagram content as a predictor of body dissatisfaction. The results highlight the relevance for psychoeducational purposes of addressing a critical engagement with depicted beauty ideals in social media. Moreover, the study proposes body diversity as an alternative content that can have a positive impact on body satisfaction, which can be actively sought during the individual Instagram user experience.
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20
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Klier K, Rommerskirchen T, Brixius K. #fitspiration: a comparison of the sport-related social media usage and its impact on body image in young adults. BMC Psychol 2022; 10:320. [PMID: 36575554 PMCID: PMC9793811 DOI: 10.1186/s40359-022-01027-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Following and posting sport-related content on social media is wide-spread among young people. To date, little is known about the interdependence between sport-related social media use and the thereby perceived personal body image. METHODS We conducted an online survey (N = 285) to examine how social media influences the sport-related body image. RESULTS In general, social media are frequently used for sport (n = 136, 47.7%). Resistance training correlated significantly with several motives of sport-related use of social media, and thus, represents the strong online presence of athletic sports. Less correlations could be found in team or other sports. Regarding the perception of body image, it was found that the group of rejecting (negative) body image significantly correlated with the emulation of social media mediated sport-related beauty and body ideals (r = 0.63, p = 0.001), as well as with increased body dissatisfaction when viewing sport-related posts on social media (r = 0.590, p = 0.001). Perceived social pressure and comparison were found to be mediators of the prevailing influence of social media usage. CONCLUSIONS These results reveal the importance of taking a closer look at socially shaped beauty and body ideals, especially in sport-related contents, striving for more educational campaigns such as Body Positivity and, above all, filtering information. Finally, future research is needed to gain deeper insight into young persons' usage behavior of social media and its impact on the individual's body image. Trial Registration The study was conducted according to the guidelines of the Declaration of Helsinki, and approved by the Ethics Committee of University of the Federal Armed Forces Munich, Germany (01/24/2022).
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristina Klier
- Institut für Sportwissenschaft, Universität der Bundeswehr München, Neubiberg, Germany.
| | - Tessa Rommerskirchen
- Institut für Sportwissenschaft, Universität der Bundeswehr München, Neubiberg, Germany
| | - Klara Brixius
- Institut für Kreislaufforschung und Sportmedizin, Deutsche Sporthochschule Köln, Cologne, Germany
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21
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Nelson SL, Harriger JA, Miller-Perrin C, Rouse SV. The effects of body-positive Instagram posts on body image in adult women. Body Image 2022; 42:338-346. [PMID: 35926363 DOI: 10.1016/j.bodyim.2022.07.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Revised: 07/11/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
Abstract
While recent studies have examined the effects of viewing body-positive social media content on body appreciation and satisfaction in young adult women, research has yet to include older adult women. The current study assessed the effects of viewing body-positive Instagram content on body image in 205 adult women (18-76 years old) who were randomly assigned to view either body-positive, thin-ideal, or appearance-neutral Instagram content. Our findings demonstrated that exposure to body-positive Instagram content resulted in greater levels of body appreciation and body satisfaction compared to exposure to thin-ideal and neutral Instagram content, while no significant differences were found between any of the conditions on self-objectification. Finally, age was only a significant moderator for one variable (self objectification) and condition (thin ideal), indicating that exposure to body-positive social media content may improve levels of body appreciation and satisfaction in adult women, regardless of age.
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22
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Rejeb A, Rejeb K, Abdollahi A, Treiblmaier H. The Big Picture on Instagram Research: Insights from a Bibliometric Analysis. TELEMATICS AND INFORMATICS 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tele.2022.101876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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23
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Wood M, Pila E. Investigating the effects of fit-normative and weight-inclusive Instagram images on women's exercise motivations. Body Image 2022; 41:460-471. [PMID: 35594800 DOI: 10.1016/j.bodyim.2022.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2021] [Revised: 03/28/2022] [Accepted: 04/02/2022] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Exposure to "fitspiration" may promote exercising for maladaptive weight and appearance reasons in young women. Fitness content depicting higher-weight bodies could promote exercise for adaptive non-appearance motives, and body compassion might protect against the negative effects of "fitspiration" exposure. Two pre-registered experimental studies examined (i) the effects of exposure to fit-normative vs. weight-inclusive Instagram images on young women's exercise intentions and motivations, and (ii) tested trait body compassion as a moderator of the relationships between image exposure and psychosocial exercise outcomes. Using an online experimental paradigm, young adult women were randomized to view Instagram images representing fit-normative, weight-inclusive, or control conditions and completed state measures of exercise intention and motivation. Study 1 (n = 228) employed a post-test design and found no significant effects of condition on exercise outcomes, nor an effect of body compassion. Using a pre- and post-experimental design in Study 2 (n = 797), participants in the weight-inclusive condition exhibited significantly greater increases in exercise intention and fitness/health motivation, while those in the fit-normative condition exhibited greater increases in weight/appearance motivation, compared to controls. Body compassion was not a significant moderator of the associations between exposure to weight-inclusive vs. fit-normative images and exercise outcomes. Exposure to fit-normative Instagram content may encourage dysfunctional exercise motives in young women. Weight-inclusive imagery may more effectively inspire adaptive exercise intentions and motivations, and future research should investigate how it may be leveraged to improve psychosocial exercise outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madeline Wood
- Department of Kinesiology, Western University, 1151 Richmond St., London N6A 3K7, ON, Canada
| | - Eva Pila
- Department of Kinesiology, Western University, 1151 Richmond St., London N6A 3K7, ON, Canada.
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24
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Cataldo I, Burkauskas J, Dores AR, Carvalho IP, Simonato P, De Luca I, Gómez-Martínez MÁ, Melero Ventola AR, Demetrovics Z, Szabo A, Ábel KE, Shibata M, Kobayashi K, Fujiwara H, Arroyo-Anlló EM, Martinotti G, Barbosa F, Griskova-Bulanova I, Pranckeviciene A, Bowden-Jones H, Esposito G, Corazza O. An international cross-sectional investigation on social media, fitspiration content exposure, and related risks during the COVID-19 self-isolation period. J Psychiatr Res 2022; 148:34-44. [PMID: 35093805 PMCID: PMC8782623 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2022.01.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2021] [Revised: 12/19/2021] [Accepted: 01/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
With the global COVID-19 pandemic, governments from many countries in the world implemented various restrictions to prevent the SARS-Cov-2 virus's spread, including social distancing measures, quarantine, in-home lockdown, and the closure of services and public spaces. This led to an in-creased use of social media platforms to make people feel more connected, but also to maintain physical activity while self-isolating. Concerns about physical appearance and the desire to keep or reach a muscular and toned ideal body, might have further reinforced the engagement in fitness-related social media activities, like sharing progresses in training achievements or following more fitness contents on popular profiles. To better understand the underlying relation among these factors, the present study investigates 729 responses to the Exercise Addiction Inventory (EAI), the Appearance Anxiety Inventory (AAI), the Self-Compassion Scale (SCS) and their association to social media usage and compares the results cross-culturally in five countries (Spain, Lithuania, United Kingdom, Japan, and Hungary). Findings highlight significant differences between males and females, espe-cially in regard to the time spent online (U = 477.5, p = 0.036). Greater levels of appearance anxiety were associated with the exposure to fitness-related contents on social media. These results strongly confirm the previously highlighted association between fitspiration media and body image anxiety predominantly in females. Clinical implications and future considerations in terms of prevention and treatment in a situation of global emergency are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilaria Cataldo
- Department of Psychology and Cognitive Science, University of Trento, Rovereto, Italy.
| | - Julius Burkauskas
- Neuroscience Institute, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Kaunas, Lithuania,School of Life and Medical Sciences, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield, AL10 9AB, UK
| | - Artemisa R. Dores
- Laboratory of Neuropsychophysiology, Faculty of Psychology and Education Sciences, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal,School of Health, Polytechnic of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Irene P. Carvalho
- Clinical Neurosciences and Mental Health Department and CINTESIS, School of Medicine, Porto, Portugal
| | - Pierluigi Simonato
- School of Life and Medical Sciences, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield, AL10 9AB, UK
| | - Ilaria De Luca
- School of Life and Medical Sciences, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield, AL10 9AB, UK
| | | | | | - Zsolt Demetrovics
- Centre of Excellence in Responsible Gaming, University of Gibraltar, Gibraltar,Institute of Psychology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Attila Szabo
- Institute of Psychology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
| | | | - Mami Shibata
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Graduate School of Medicine, University of Kyoto, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Kei Kobayashi
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Graduate School of Medicine, University of Kyoto, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Hironobu Fujiwara
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Graduate School of Medicine, University of Kyoto, Kyoto, Japan,Artificial Intelligence Ethics and Society Team, RIKEN Center for Advanced Intelligence Project, Saitama, Japan
| | - Eva Maria Arroyo-Anlló
- Department of Psychobiology, Neuroscience Institute of Castilla-León, University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Giovanni Martinotti
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging, and Clinical Science “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Fernando Barbosa
- Laboratory of Neuropsychophysiology, Faculty of Psychology and Education Sciences, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Inga Griskova-Bulanova
- Department of Neurobiology and Biophysics, Institute of Biosciences, Vilnius University, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Aiste Pranckeviciene
- Neuroscience Institute, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Kaunas, Lithuania
| | | | - Gianluca Esposito
- Department of Psychology and Cognitive Science, University of Trento, Rovereto, Italy,Psychology Program, School of Social Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore,Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
| | - Ornella Corazza
- Department of Psychology and Cognitive Science, University of Trento, Rovereto, Italy,School of Life and Medical Sciences, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield, AL10 9AB, UK
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25
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Sun M, Jiang LC, Huang G. Improving Body Satisfaction Through Fitness App Use: Explicating the Role of Social Comparison, Social Network Size, and Gender. HEALTH COMMUNICATION 2022:1-12. [PMID: 35350945 DOI: 10.1080/10410236.2022.2054099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Body dissatisfaction is prevalent worldwide, fueling the highly lucrative diet and plastic surgery industry, with many adverse outcomes. Yet, limited attention has been dedicated to noninvasive interventions that effectively enhance body satisfaction. We argue that, by altering the target of the social comparison process, people can shift their focus from body appearance to physical activity level. The present study investigated whether social comparison in terms of physical activity level provided by fitness apps could affect users' body satisfaction. A survey was conducted with 643 users of WeRun, the Chinese leading mobile fitness app. Subsequent analyses revealed that both upward and downward social comparison mediated the positive relationship between fitness app use and body satisfaction. Moreover, the users' social network size and gender played a moderating role in the social comparison processes. Fitness app use was positively related to downward comparison for male users; social network size moderated the relationship between fitness app use and upward comparison for female users. The utility of fitness apps in mitigating body dissatisfaction is also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengru Sun
- College of Media and International Culture, Zhejiang University
- Department of Media and Communication, City University of Hong Kong
| | - Li Crystal Jiang
- Department of Media and Communication, City University of Hong Kong
| | - Guanxiong Huang
- Department of Media and Communication, City University of Hong Kong
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26
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Vandenbosch L, Fardouly J, Tiggemann M. Social media and body image: Recent trends and future directions. Curr Opin Psychol 2021; 45:101289. [PMID: 35030460 DOI: 10.1016/j.copsyc.2021.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2021] [Revised: 11/25/2021] [Accepted: 12/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
This review presents recent trends in social media and body image research, with a particular focus on different social media platforms, features unique to social media, and potentially positive content for body image. First, it was found that visual platforms (e.g. Instagram) were more dysfunctional for body image than more textual platforms (e.g. Facebook). Second, taking and editing (but not posting) selfies resulted in negative effects on body image. Positive comments intensified the effects of exposure to idealized content. Third, of the forms of potentially positive content examined in recent research (i.e. fitspiration, disclaimer labels, and body positivity), only body positivity content had a positive effect on body image. Recommendations for future research are offered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Vandenbosch
- School for Mass Communication Research, KU Leuven, Parkstraat 45, 3000, Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Jasmine Fardouly
- School of Psychology, UNSW Sydney, New South Wales, 2052, Australia.
| | - Marika Tiggemann
- College of Education, Psychology and Social Work, Flinders University, GPO Box 2100, Adelaide, SA, 5001, Australia.
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27
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de Valle MK, Gallego-García M, Williamson P, Wade TD. Social media, body image, and the question of causation: Meta-analyses of experimental and longitudinal evidence. Body Image 2021; 39:276-292. [PMID: 34695681 DOI: 10.1016/j.bodyim.2021.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2021] [Revised: 09/23/2021] [Accepted: 10/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
This article presents four meta-analyses that can inform causality in the relationship between social media and body image; 24 experimental samples comparing the effect of appearance-ideal social media images to non-appearance-related conditions (n = 3816); 21 experimental samples examining the effect of contextual features (e.g., comments and captions) accompanying appearance-ideal social media images (n = 3482); 14 experimental samples investigating the effect of appearance-ideal images versus other appearance images on social media (n = 2641); and 10 longitudinal samples on social media use and body image (n = 5177). Social media appearance-ideal images had a moderate negative effect on body image (Hedges' g = -0.61, p < .01), were more damaging in higher- than lower-risk contexts (Hedges' g = -0.12, p < .01), and were moderately more impactful than other social media appearance images (Hedges' g = -0.68, p = .05). These effects were smaller but significant with outliers removed. Social media use had a very small, negative correlation with body image longitudinally (Fisher's Z = -0.08, p < .001). No significant moderators emerged. Clinicians should consider approaches to managing social media use, particularly exposure to appearance-ideal imagery, in case conceptualisation and psychoeducation for clients at risk of, or experiencing, body image disturbance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madelaine K de Valle
- Discipline of Psychology, Flinders University, GPO Box 2100, Adelaide, South Australia 5001, Australia.
| | - María Gallego-García
- Discipline of Psychology, Flinders University, GPO Box 2100, Adelaide, South Australia 5001, Australia; Facultad de Ciencias Sociales y Humanas, Universidad Loyola Andalucía, Avda. de las Universidades, Dos Hermanas, Sevilla 41704, Spain
| | - Paul Williamson
- Discipline of Psychology, Flinders University, GPO Box 2100, Adelaide, South Australia 5001, Australia
| | - Tracey D Wade
- Discipline of Psychology, Flinders University, GPO Box 2100, Adelaide, South Australia 5001, Australia
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