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Kidd C, Loxton NJ, Uhlmann LR, Donovan CL. Integrating social media, body shame and psychological distress within the Elaborated Sociocultural Model. Body Image 2024; 50:101723. [PMID: 38788591 DOI: 10.1016/j.bodyim.2024.101723] [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: 09/26/2023] [Revised: 05/01/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024]
Abstract
The Elaborated Sociocultural Model proposes exposure to sociocultural appearance pressures increases women's internalisation of the thin ideal, their engagement in social comparison and body surveillance, and subsequent body dissatisfaction and disturbances in eating (Fitzsimmons-Craft et al., 2011). Although this model has received some empirical support, it is limited in that it does not currently account for social media as a contemporary source of appearance pressure, nor include additional known outcomes of thin ideal internalisation (i.e., body shame, psychological distress). The current study tested the integration of these variables within the Elaborated Sociocultural Model. Using structural equation modelling with latent variables, the extended model provided acceptable to good fit to the data in a sample of 271 female participants. A latent variable representing sociocultural appearance pressures originating from social media, traditional media, family and peers was found to significantly predict thin ideal internalisation and body image concerns. Furthermore, both social comparison and body surveillance emerged as indirect mediators of the relationship between thin ideal internalisation and body image concerns, which in turn, increased report of restrained eating and psychological distress. Aligning with previous research, this extended model offers a useful and comprehensive framework for investigating women's body image.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chloe Kidd
- School of Applied Psychology, Griffith University, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.
| | - Natalie J Loxton
- School of Applied Psychology, Griffith University, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Laura R Uhlmann
- School of Applied Psychology, Griffith University, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Caroline L Donovan
- School of Applied Psychology, Griffith University, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia; Griffith University Centre for Mental Health, Griffith University, Queensland, Australia
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2
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Efstathiou M, Delicato LS, Sedda A. Emotional body representations: more pronounced effect of hands at a more explicit level of awareness. Exp Brain Res 2024; 242:1595-1608. [PMID: 38760470 DOI: 10.1007/s00221-024-06839-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024]
Abstract
To understand conditions such as body dysmorphic disorder, we need to understand healthy individuals' perceptual, conceptual, and emotional representations of their bodies. Not much is known about the differences in these representations across body districts, for example, hands, feet, and whole-body, despite their differences at sensory and functional levels. To understand this, we developed more implicit and explicit measures of body satisfaction for these body districts. Sixty-seven participants (age M = 30.66, SD = 11.19) completed a series of online Implicit Association Tests (IAT) and a Body Image Satisfaction Visual Analogue Scale (BISVAS; explicit) for each body district (hands/feet/whole body). The results show no differences in the more implicit level of awareness in hands, feet and whole body, while differences are apparent at a more explicit level of awareness, with higher scores for body image satisfaction for the hands than the whole body and marginally significant lower scores for feet than hands. Those findings suggest that visual attention, level of concern attributed to a body district, and disgust drivers are possible factors affecting the experience of attitudinal body image satisfaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Myrto Efstathiou
- Centre for Applied Behavioural Sciences, Department of Psychology, School of Social Sciences, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh Campus, Edinburgh, UK.
| | - Louise S Delicato
- Centre for Applied Behavioural Sciences, Department of Psychology, School of Social Sciences, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh Campus, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Anna Sedda
- Centre for Applied Behavioural Sciences, Department of Psychology, School of Social Sciences, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh Campus, Edinburgh, UK
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3
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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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4
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Ashley RR. #waistgangsociety: Black Women's Health Information-seeking Behaviors Concerning Body Modification Products Advertised on Instagram. HEALTH COMMUNICATION 2023; 38:3207-3222. [PMID: 36398680 DOI: 10.1080/10410236.2022.2144281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The purpose of this project is to determine the health information-seeking behaviors of Black women who use self-modification devices advertised on Instagram, and how they identify and negotiate risk factors related to these products. Forty-two interviews with Black women reveal that in seeking health risk information related to the devices, the women initially explored social media comments about the devices, replied with questions to the commenters, sent direct messages to people who indicated they bought the devices, and searched hashtags. They further clarified information beyond social media by searching Google, browsing websites like WebMD and Healthline, and reviewing accessible peer-reviewed sources. The health risk information was further confirmed with word-of-mouth firsthand experience or by testing the product on their own. Participants developed their own modification barometers to gauge what health impacts they were willing to accept in order to get the desired physical outcome. Advertisers or promoters can provide explicit and accurate details about the health risks of products, to provide transparency and valuable health information to consumers as they navigate their own modification barometers.
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5
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Yu M, Sun X, Xu Y, Liu Z, Wu Y, Yang S, Luo F. Mirror, mirror, on the social media … WeChat Moments usage and negative body image among female college students: Evidence from ecological momentary assessment data. Appl Psychol Health Well Being 2023; 15:1046-1064. [PMID: 36516998 DOI: 10.1111/aphw.12425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Negative body image is prevalent among women and may lead to physical and mental health problems. Social media-including China's most popular platform, WeChat Moments-aggregates multiple aspects of appearance-related pressure and therefore is an important risk factor for negative body image. The current study examines the relationship between WeChat Moments usage and body image among female college students and the mediating mechanism of body surveillance. A sample of 151 female college students completed a 7-day ecological momentary assessment (EMA), responded to three surveys per day, and provided a total of 2949 EMA responses. We used multilevel structural equation modeling (MSEM) to examine the hypothesized models at both the between- and within-individual levels. The results showed that both overall WeChat Moments usage and appearance-related exposure on WeChat Moments were inversely and indirectly related to body image through the mediating role of body surveillance at the between-individual level. However, both overall WeChat Moments usage and appearance-related exposure on WeChat Moments were positively and indirectly related to body image through body surveillance at the within-individual level. Our findings indicate that WeChat Moments usage is associated with college women's body image differently at the between- and within-individual level, and body surveillance serves as a crucial underlying mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengke Yu
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Applied Experimental Psychology, National Demonstration Center for Experimental Psychology Education (Beijing Normal University), Faculty of Psychology, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaomin Sun
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Applied Experimental Psychology, National Demonstration Center for Experimental Psychology Education (Beijing Normal University), Faculty of Psychology, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Yan Xu
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Applied Experimental Psychology, National Demonstration Center for Experimental Psychology Education (Beijing Normal University), Faculty of Psychology, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Zhenzhen Liu
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Applied Experimental Psychology, National Demonstration Center for Experimental Psychology Education (Beijing Normal University), Faculty of Psychology, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Yi Wu
- Department of Clinical Psychological Science, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Shuting Yang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Applied Experimental Psychology, National Demonstration Center for Experimental Psychology Education (Beijing Normal University), Faculty of Psychology, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Fang Luo
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Applied Experimental Psychology, National Demonstration Center for Experimental Psychology Education (Beijing Normal University), Faculty of Psychology, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
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6
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Marciano A, David Y, Antebi-Gruszka N. Facebook use and body dissatisfaction moderate the association between discrimination and suicidality among LGBQ individuals. COMPUTERS IN HUMAN BEHAVIOR 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.chb.2023.107729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/06/2023]
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7
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Rojo M, Beltrán-Garrayo L, Del Blanco-Barredo MDC, Sepúlveda AR. Spanish validation of two social media appearance-related constructs associated with disordered eating in adolescents: The Appearance-related Social Media Consciousness scale (ASMC) and the Critical Thinking about Media Messages scale (CTMM). Body Image 2023; 45:401-413. [PMID: 37137258 DOI: 10.1016/j.bodyim.2023.04.004] [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: 10/17/2022] [Revised: 04/14/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Appearance-related constructs underlying social media are negatively associated with mental health. However, their impact on the Spanish population is still unexplored. The present study aimed to validate the Spanish versions of two appearance-related scales: (1) the appearance-related social media consciousness (ASMC) scale; and (2) the critical thinking about media messages (CTMM) scale. Translation and cultural adaptation of the scales were carried out. The scales' psychometric properties were assessed using exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses, measurement invariance across gender (boys vs. girls) and age groups (early adolescents vs. middle adolescents), internal consistency, and convergent validity. The sample included 803 Spanish secondary school adolescents aged between 12 and 18 (Mage = 15.1, 47.9% girls, 47.2% boys, 4.9% non-binary gender/others). The exploratory factor analyses replicated original one-factor structures of both scales, which was verified using confirmatory factor analysis. Regarding the ASMC Scale, a re-specified model (allowing for error correlations between Items 1-2) presented an adequate fit. Both models were invariant across gender and age groups. Excellent internal consistency was found. Bivariate correlations between the ASMC and eating disorders related variables (body esteem, disordered eating, self-esteem, sociocultural attitudes towards appearance, and general mental health) supported its convergent validity and proved ASMC to be a potential target for future preventive eating disorder interventions. However, the CTMM scale correlated only with sociocultural pressures, thus, further research is needed to assess the validity of the CTMM in Spanish samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Rojo
- Faculty of Psychology, Autonomous University of Madrid, Spain.
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8
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Karasavva V, Brunet L, Smodis A, Swanek J, Forth A. Putting the Y in cyberflashing: Exploring the prevalence and predictors of the reasons for sending unsolicited nude or sexual images. COMPUTERS IN HUMAN BEHAVIOR 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.chb.2022.107593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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9
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Gattino S, Czepczor-Bernat K, Fedi A, Brytek-Matera A, Boza M, Lemoine JE, Sahlan RN, Wilson E, De Piccoli N, Rollero C. Self-objectification and its biological, psychological and social predictors: A cross-cultural study in four European countries and Iran. EUROPES JOURNAL OF PSYCHOLOGY 2023; 19:27-47. [PMID: 37063692 PMCID: PMC10103054 DOI: 10.5964/ejop.6075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2021] [Accepted: 12/08/2021] [Indexed: 03/03/2023]
Abstract
Although scholars started investigating self-objectification more than twenty years ago, only a few studies focused on men and even fewer have taken into account the cross-cultural dimension. Our study focused on the antecedents of self-objectification paying attention to the role of biological and sociodemographic variables (gender, BMI), psychological characteristics (self-esteem, perfectionism) together with social and cultural factors (internalization of media standards, influence of family and friends). Self-objectification was operationalized as Body Shame and Body Surveillance. A self-reported questionnaire was administered to 2165 adults living in four European countries (UK, Italy, Poland and Romania) and Iran. Ten regression models were performed (2 per country) to analyse the correlates of self-objectification. Overall, self-objectification emerged as a process affected by factors entrenched in psychological, biological, social and cultural domains, partially different for Body Shame and Body Surveillance. Findings showed the key role of self-esteem as a protective factor against Body Shame across countries. On the other hand, the internalization of media standards emerged as risk factor for both Body Shame and Body Surveillance in the five countries. Taken together, these results underline the complexity of self-objectification and the need to deepen research on this topic among non-Western countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Gattino
- Department of Psychology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | | | - Angela Fedi
- Department of Psychology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | | | - Mihaela Boza
- Department of Psychology, Alexandru Ioan Cuza University of Iaşi, Iasi, Romania
| | - Jérémy E. Lemoine
- School of Psychology, University of East London, London, United Kingdom
- ESCP Business School, London, United Kingdom
| | - Reza N. Sahlan
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Emma Wilson
- ESRC Centre for Society and Mental Health, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
- Health Service and Population Research, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Chiara Rollero
- Department of Psychology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
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10
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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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11
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Pryde S, Prichard I. TikTok on the clock but the #fitspo don't stop: The impact of TikTok fitspiration videos on women's body image concerns. Body Image 2022; 43:244-252. [PMID: 36194987 DOI: 10.1016/j.bodyim.2022.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2022] [Revised: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 09/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Fitspiration is a popular social media trend that aims to inspire individuals to improve their health and fitness through diet and exercise. However, viewing fitspiration content on Instagram has been identified as a contributor to negative body image, especially for young women. With the growing popularity of the video sharing platform TikTok and concerns over its content, the present study aimed to experimentally examine the effect of exposure to fitspiration TikTok videos on young women's body dissatisfaction, appearance comparison and mood. The roles of state appearance comparison as a mediator and trait fit ideal internalisation as a moderator were also considered. Young women (18-25, N = 120) from Australia were randomly allocated to view a set of fitspiration videos or a set of art control videos from TikTok. Results indicated that exposure to fitspiration TikTok videos increased state appearance comparison and state negative mood relative to art TikTok videos but did not directly increase state body dissatisfaction. State appearance comparison significantly mediated the effect of TikTok videos on body dissatisfaction and mood, however, there was no moderating effect of trait fit ideal internalisation. These findings highlight the importance of state appearance comparison in relation to viewing fitspiration content on TikTok.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha Pryde
- Psychology, College of Education, Psychology & Social Work, Flinders University, Australia; Caring Futures Institute, Flinders University, Australia.
| | - Ivanka Prichard
- Caring Futures Institute, Flinders University, Australia; Health & Exercise Sciences, College of Nursing & Health Sciences, Flinders University, Australia; SHAPE Research Centre, Flinders University, Australia
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12
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Kowal M, Sorokowski P, Pisanski K, Valentova JV, Varella MA, Frederick DA, Al-Shawaf L, García FE, Giammusso I, Gjoneska B, Kozma L, Otterbring T, Papadatou-Pastou M, Pfuhl G, Stöckli S, Studzinska A, Toplu-Demirtaş E, Touloumakos AK, Bakos BE, Batres C, Bonneterre S, Czamanski-Cohen J, Dacanay JC, Deschrijver E, Fisher ML, Grano C, Grigoryev D, Kačmár P, Kozlov MV, Manunta E, Massar K, McFall JP, Mebarak M, Miccoli MR, Milfont TL, Prokop P, Aavik T, Arriaga P, Baiocco R, Čeněk J, Çetinkaya H, Duyar I, Guemaz F, Ishii T, Kamburidis JA, Khun-Inkeeree H, Lidborg LH, Manor H, Nussinson R, Omar-Fauzee MSB, Pazhoohi F, Ponnet K, Santos AC, Senyk O, Spasovski O, Vintila M, Wang AH, Yoo G, Zerhouni O, Amin R, Aquino S, Boğa M, Boussena M, Can AR, Can S, Castro R, Chirumbolo A, Çoker O, Cornec C, Dural S, Eder SJ, Moharrampour NG, Grassini S, Hristova E, Ikizer G, Kervyn N, Koyuncu M, Kunisato Y, Lins S, Mandzyk T, Mari S, Mattiassi AD, Memisoglu-Sanli A, Morelli M, Novaes FC, Parise M, Banai IP, Perun M, Plohl N, Sahli FZ, Šakan D, Smojver-Azic S, Solak Ç, Söylemez S, Toyama A, Wlodarczyk A, Yamada Y, Abad-Villaverde B, Afhami R, Akello G, Alami NH, Alma L, Argyrides M, Atamtürk D, Burduli N, Cardona S, Carneiro J, Castañeda A, Chałatkiewicz I, Chopik WJ, Chubinidze D, Conroy-Beam D, Contreras-Garduño J, da Silva DR, Don YB, Donato S, Dubrov D, Duračková M, Dutt S, Ebimgbo SO, Estevan I, Etchezahar E, Fedor P, Fekih-Romdhane F, Frackowiak T, Galasinska K, Gargula Ł, Gelbart B, Yepes TG, Hamdaoui B, Hromatko I, Itibi SN, Jaforte L, Janssen SM, Jovic M, Kertechian KS, Khan F, Kobylarek A, Koso-Drljevic M, Krasnodębska A, Križanić V, Landa-Blanco M, Mailhos A, Marot T, Dorcic TM, Martinez-Banfi M, Yusof MR, Mayorga-Lascano M, Mikuličiūtė V, Mišetić K, Musil B, Najmussaqib A, Muthu KN, Natividade JC, Ndukaihe IL, Nyhus EK, Oberzaucher E, Omar SS, Ostaszewski F, Pacquing MCT, Pagani AF, Park JH, Pirtskhalava E, Reips UD, Reyes MES, Röer JP, Şahin A, Samekin A, Sargautytė R, Semenovskikh T, Siepelmeyer H, Singh S, Sołtys A, Sorokowska A, Soto-López R, Sultanova L, Tamayo-Agudelo W, Tan CS, Topanova GT, Bulut MT, Trémolière B, Tulyakul S, Türkan BN, Urbanek A, Volkodav T, Walter KV, Yaakob MFM, Zumárraga-Espinosa M. Predictors of enhancing human physical attractiveness: Data from 93 countries. EVOL HUM BEHAV 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.evolhumbehav.2022.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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13
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A Longitudinal and Comparative Content Analysis of Instagram Fitness Posts. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19116845. [PMID: 35682428 PMCID: PMC9180174 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19116845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Revised: 05/30/2022] [Accepted: 05/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
Body dissatisfaction is among the most common mental health challenges experienced by women and has been identified as a risk factor for disordered eating. Research has found that exposure to social media images depicting thin, muscular bodies, often dubbed ‘fitspiration’, may contribute to body dissatisfaction. Image-centred social media platforms, such as Instagram, have rising popularity among adolescents and young adults. However, little is known about the content of images produced by different fitness-related sources, such as those from fitness brands compared with individual users, and how fitness content on social media is evolving over time. This study sought to determine whether Instagram content varied between female fitness influencers and brands and how this content changed between 2019 and 2021. A longitudinal content analysis was conducted on a sample of 400 Instagram images using a coding scheme developed specifically for this project. The scheme coded images for fit ideal body depiction, fitness focus, objectification, and sexualisation. Chi-square tests indicated that female fitness influencer content was more sexualised and portrayed more of the fit ideal, while fitness brands produced more Instagram content with a fitness focus. There were no significant overall longitudinal changes for any of the four key variables. However, when looking at longitudinal changes by account type, fitness-focused influencer content increased while fitness-focused brand content decreased over time. These findings highlight discernible differences in content produced by different Instagram account types. It points future research towards the consideration of potential moderating factors, such as account type, when exploring the impact of social media images on body image and mental health.
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14
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Tiggemann M. Digital modification and body image on social media: Disclaimer labels, captions, hashtags, and comments. Body Image 2022; 41:172-180. [PMID: 35259655 DOI: 10.1016/j.bodyim.2022.02.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2022] [Accepted: 02/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Social media have become a major part of contemporary life. They are also a potent source of idealized and unrealistic imagery. Contributing to the lack of realism is the ability to digitally modify photos by applying a filter or editing software. One strategy suggested to counteract the negative consequences of idealized imagery on body image is the addition of a disclaimer label informing the viewer when an image has been digitally altered. The present paper brings together and presents an overview of the existing research on the consequences for body image of digital manipulation and the addition of disclaimers in a variety of types to images on social media. It concludes that disclaimers are an ineffective means of protecting body satisfaction against exposure to idealized social media images. Based on the overview, nine avenues for future research are identified.
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15
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Pan W, Mu Z, Tang Z. Social Media Influencer Viewing and Intentions to Change Appearance: A Large Scale Cross-Sectional Survey on Female Social Media Users in China. Front Psychol 2022; 13:846390. [PMID: 35465502 PMCID: PMC9024235 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.846390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2021] [Accepted: 03/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Previous studies have reported that general or photo-specific social media use was associated with women’s body dissatisfaction and body image disturbance. The current study replicated and expanded upon these findings by identifying the positive association between social media influencer viewing and intentions to change appearance. This study surveyed a sample of 7,015 adult female TikTok users in China regarding their social media influencer viewing frequency, self-objectification, social comparison tendencies when watching short videos, intentions to change appearance, and demographics. The results showed that female TikTok users’ self-objectification mediated the association between their influencer viewing frequency and their intentions to change appearance. Furthermore, social comparison tendencies moderated the association between influencer viewing and intentions to change appearance in that the proposed association was stronger for female TikTok users who had lower social comparison tendencies when watching short videos, compared to female TikTok users who had higher social comparison tendencies. The counter-intuitive finding on social comparison tendencies indicated that women who have higher social comparison tendencies may be more aware of the negative influences and adjust their expectations. The observed association between social media influencer viewing and intentions to change appearance was statistically significant but trivial in terms of effect size. Although the result could warn policymakers and practitioners to design media and health literacy campaigns to cultivate body positivity, caution should be exercised when evaluating the practical implications.
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16
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Mahon C, Seekis V. Systematic Review of Digital Interventions for Adolescent and Young Adult Women's Body Image. Front Glob Womens Health 2022; 3:832805. [PMID: 35392118 PMCID: PMC8982933 DOI: 10.3389/fgwh.2022.832805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2021] [Accepted: 02/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background A growing number of digital interventions have been developed to address a range of mental health issues including body image. Identifying effective interventions for body image is important given the prevalence of body image concerns and their associated negative outcomes among young women. This review aimed to critically evaluate current evidence on the use of digital interventions for adolescent and young adult women's body image. Methods A literature search was performed in November 2021 across three databases, PsychINFO, Web of Science and Pubmed to identify studies published with keywords and synonyms of "body image" and "digital interventions" that have been conducted with girls/women aged 10-25 years. Studies were included if they assessed a universal body image intervention delivered through a digital platform (e.g., web-based, mobile phone) and if they reported body image outcomes using validated measures. Two authors independently screened studies extracted data and assessed the quality of studies. Results Eight of 15 interventions were effective in improving at least one body image outcome from pre-post intervention; however, effect sizes were mostly small-medium, and few effects were maintained at follow-up. Studies were heterogeneous in terms of delivery format, duration, sample characteristics, quality, and outcomes. Discussion Findings suggest that digitally delivered interventions can effectively improve some body image outcomes in young women. Characteristics of effective studies are discussed and suggestions for future work on intervention development in this field are provided. Systematic Review Registration https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42021281435, identifier CRD42021281435.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ciara Mahon
- School of Psychology, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Veya Seekis
- School of Applied Psychology, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD, Australia
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17
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Boursier V, Gioia F. Which are the Effects of Body-Objectification and Instagram-Related Practices on Male Body Esteem? A Cross-Sectional Study. CLINICAL NEUROPSYCHIATRY 2022; 19:8-19. [PMID: 35401765 PMCID: PMC8969847 DOI: 10.36131/cnfioritieditore20220103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE According to the objectification framework, media pressure toward body models promotes the internalization of beauty ideals that negatively influence individuals' body image and self-esteem. Historically, women have been the main target of sociocultural pressures. However, research has recently suggested that self-objectification is a male phenomenon as well, which can be inscribed in men's body experiences. Nevertheless, fewer studies have specifically focused on the male experience and general consequences of body-objectification are yet to be extensively analyzed regarding males' body image features. The current cross-sectional study explores the consequences of body-objectification on male body esteem, specifically testing the predictive role of exercising/dietary habits, body-objectification features, and SNS-related practices on male body esteem. METHOD A total of 238 male participants (mean age = 24.28 years, SD = 4.32) have been involved in an online survey. Three hierarchical analyses were performed to test the influence of objectified body consciousness and social networking-related experiences (i.e. Instagram intensity use, photo manipulation, selfie feedback investment) on young men's body esteem with specific reference to the weight, appearance, and attribution features of the Body Esteem Scale. RESULTS Findings highlighted that body shame played an interesting key role, influencing negatively all the body esteem dimensions, thus highlighting that attention needs to be deserved on this feature of OBC regarding males' experience. On the contrary, appearance control-related dimensions positively influenced body esteem. Overall, findings confirmed that objectification theory can adequately mark a pathway by which media imagery is internalized also by men and may negatively affect their body esteem. CONCLUSIONS Despite some limitations, this study may contribute to enlarging our knowledge on male body image and self-objectification experience and support literature shattering the stereotype that body dissatisfaction is a "female-exclusive" issue. Likewise, beyond some questioning positions, these findings also encourage further exploration of a healthier "control dimension", including body appearance-related activities and beliefs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Boursier
- Department of Humanities, University of Naples “Federico II” via Porta di Massa, 1 – 80133 Naples, Italy,Corresponding author Dr. Valentina Boursier E-mail:
| | - Francesca Gioia
- Department of Humanities, University of Naples “Federico II” via Porta di Massa, 1 – 80133 Naples, Italy
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18
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Hai R, Yang Y. Social Network Site Appearance Comparison's Prediction of Anxiety Among Chinese Females: The Mediation Effect of Body Area Satisfaction, Overweight Preoccupation, and Self-Esteem. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:775782. [PMID: 35321227 PMCID: PMC8936083 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.775782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2021] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Social network site appearance comparison refers to a tendency to compare the body image of one-self to others when using social network sites. It was found to be associated with negative emotions, for example, depression, among young females, and this association was mediated by body image and self-esteem. However, researches on the chain-mediating role of body image and self-esteem in anxiety had been limited. Therefore, the current study examined the chain-mediating role between social network site comparison and anxiety among 320 Chinese females, using the Social Network Site Appearance Comparison Scale (SNSACS), Multidimensional Body-Self Relations Questionnaire (MBSRQ), Self-esteem Scale (SES), and the anxiety subscale of Depression-Anxiety-Stress Scale (DASS). Results revealed that (1) SNSACS, SES, and DASS anxiety scores were significantly correlated with each other, and the scores of two MBSRQ subscale, that is, body area satisfaction and overweight preoccupation, were significantly correlated with SNSACS, SES, and DASS anxiety scores; (2) body area satisfaction and self-esteem played a chain-mediating role in the effect of social network site appearance comparison on anxiety; (3) overweight preoccupation and self-esteem played a chain-mediating role in the effect of social network site appearance comparison on anxiety. The findings may inspire new ideas for understanding how social comparison triggers anxiety and for developing methods to reduce anxiety derived from appearance comparison among Chinese females.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ri Hai
- School of Psychology, Beijing Sport University, Beijing, China
| | - Yin Yang
- School of Psychology, Beijing Sport University, Beijing, China
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19
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Hilkens L, Cruyff M, Woertman L, Benjamins J, Evers C. Social Media, Body Image and Resistance Training: Creating the Perfect 'Me' with Dietary Supplements, Anabolic Steroids and SARM's. SPORTS MEDICINE - OPEN 2021; 7:81. [PMID: 34757466 PMCID: PMC8579410 DOI: 10.1186/s40798-021-00371-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2021] [Accepted: 10/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Few studies have assessed the use of dietary supplements, anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS) and selective androgen receptor modulators (SARM) in male gym users. The comparison of physical appearance with others on social media and the exposure to fitness-related content on social media (i.e., image-centric social media use) may have a profound role in using these compounds due to its role in creating negative body images in male gym users. OBJECTIVE Provide contemporary data on the use of dietary supplements, AAS and SARM among young male gym users, and test the hypothesis that social media is associated with the use of dietary supplements, AAS and SARM, as a result of a negative body image. METHODS In this cross-sectional study, conducted in the Netherlands, male gym users (N = 2269; 24 ± 6 years) completed an online questionnaire including self-reported measures regarding resistance training participation, image-centric social media use, dietary supplement intake, and body image. The prevalence of AAS and SARM use was assessed with randomized response, a technique to ask sensitive questions indirectly. RESULTS Of all participants, 83% used ergogenic dietary supplements (mainly protein and creatine), and an estimated 9 versus 2.7% had ever used AAS versus SARM. Image-centric social media use was positively associated with the use of dietary supplements (r = .26; p < 0.01) and AAS (p < 0.05), but not SARM. Image-centric social media use was associated with a more dissatisfied body image (r = .34; p < 0.01). Body image did not mediate the relationship between image-centric social media use and the use of doping compounds. CONCLUSIONS The use of dietary supplements in young male gym users is exorbitant, with the use of AAS and SARM being substantial. Image-centric social media use is positively associated with the use of dietary supplements and AAS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luuk Hilkens
- School of Sport and Exercise, HAN University of Applied Sciences, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Maarten Cruyff
- Department of Methodology and Statistics, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Liesbeth Woertman
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Jeroen Benjamins
- Department of Social, Health, and Organizational Psychology, Utrecht University, PO Box 80140, 3508 TC, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Department of Experimental Psychology, Helmholtz Institute, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Catharine Evers
- Department of Social, Health, and Organizational Psychology, Utrecht University, PO Box 80140, 3508 TC, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
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20
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Chen S, van Tilburg WAP, Leman PJ. Self-objectification in women predicts approval motivation in online self-presentation. BRITISH JOURNAL OF SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY 2021; 61:366-388. [PMID: 34287958 DOI: 10.1111/bjso.12485] [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: 12/09/2020] [Revised: 07/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Researchers have examined self-objectification - viewing oneself as an object rather than a subject - in terms of its impact on intrapersonal factors, such as mental health and cognitive performance. However, few have examined how self-objectification relates to interpersonal factors. The present research addressed this gap by testing the impact of self-objectification on social approval motivation among women. Study 1 (n = 103) found that individual differences in self-objectification correlated positively with approval motivation. Study 2 (n = 94) replicated these results and found that women who reported higher self-objectification were more willing to modify their social media profile pictures unrealistically. In Study 3 (n = 100), higher self-objectifying women were more willing to unrealistically modify their profile pictures even if this exceeded normative levels, which was replicated in Study 4 (n = 199). These results suggest that women's self-objectification is associated with a desire for approval from others and this desire manifests in a willingness to modify self-presentation.
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21
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Body Image and Voluntary Gaze Behaviors towards Physique-Salient Images. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18052549. [PMID: 33806533 PMCID: PMC7967371 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18052549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2021] [Revised: 02/10/2021] [Accepted: 02/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to explore body image correlates of voluntary consumption of physique-salient media. A secondary aim was to assess changes in affect following media consumption. Young adult men (n = 47; mean age = 20.2 years) and women (n = 87; mean age = 19.5 years) were discretely exposed to images of same-sex models with idealized- and average-physiques while completing an irrelevant computer task. Voluntary gaze at the images was covertly recorded via hidden cameras. Participants also completed measures of affect before and after the computer task. Measures of body-related envy, body appreciation, and self-perceptions of attractiveness, thinness, and physical strength were completed. Men and women did not differ in how often nor for how long they looked at the images overall, but body image variables were differentially associated with their voluntary gaze behaviors. For men, higher body-related envy and lower body appreciation were correlated with more looks at the average-physique model. Although women reported higher body-related envy than men, envy and body appreciation were not significant correlates of gaze behaviors for women. Both men and women experienced a general affective decrease over time, but only for men was the change in negative affect associated with their time spent looking at the ideal-physique image. Overall, these findings suggest that body-related envy and body appreciation influence how men choose to consume physique-salient media, and that media consumption may have negative consequences for post-exposure affect. Body image factors appear to be more strongly associated with behavior in men, perhaps because men are generally less often exposed to physique-salient media and, in particular, to average-physique images.
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22
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Jarman HK, Marques MD, McLean SA, Slater A, Paxton SJ. Social media, body satisfaction and well-being among adolescents: A mediation model of appearance-ideal internalization and comparison. Body Image 2021; 36:139-148. [PMID: 33285385 DOI: 10.1016/j.bodyim.2020.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2020] [Revised: 11/08/2020] [Accepted: 11/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Despite adolescents' prolific use of social media, relationships between social media and body satisfaction and well-being are not yet well understood, especially among boys. This study tested a sociocultural model of body image within the context of social media among adolescent boys and girls. Specifically, this study examined whether appearance-ideal internalization and social appearance comparisons mediated relationships between social media engagement (intensity and appearance-focused use) and body satisfaction and subjective well-being. Australian adolescents between 11 and 17 years (N = 1,579, Mage = 13.45 years, SD = 1.15; 55.4 % boys) completed an online survey. Structural equational modelling indicated that only higher appearance-focused social media use was directly associated with lower body satisfaction and well-being. Generally, higher appearance-ideal internalization and comparisons mediated the relationships between higher social media engagement and lower body satisfaction and well-being. Multi-group analyses indicated these relationships were equivalent across gender. Findings supported the proposed model among boys and girls and extend existing theoretical knowledge to encompass male body image and well-being. Interventions which target internalization and comparisons in the context of social media are likely to be valuable in improving body satisfaction and subjective well-being in co-educational settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah K Jarman
- School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
| | - Mathew D Marques
- School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Siân A McLean
- School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Amy Slater
- Centre for Appearance Research, University of the West of England, Bristol, UK
| | - Susan J Paxton
- School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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23
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From self(ie)-objectification to self-empowerment: The meaning of selfies on social media in eating disorder recovery. COMPUTERS IN HUMAN BEHAVIOR 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.chb.2020.106420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
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24
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Predicting Adolescents’ Self-Objectification from Sexualized Video Game and Instagram Use: A Longitudinal Study. SEX ROLES 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s11199-020-01187-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
AbstractA growing body of research has demonstrated negative effects of sexualization in the media on adolescents’ body image, but longitudinal studies and research including interactive and social media are scarce. The current study explored the longitudinal associations of adolescents’ use of sexualized video games (SVG) and sexualized Instagram images (SII) with body image concerns. Specifically, our study examined relations between adolescents’ SVG and SII use and appearance comparisons, thin- and muscular-ideal internalization, valuing appearance over competence, and body surveillance. A sample of 660 German adolescents (327 female, 333 male; Mage = 15.09 years) participated in two waves with an interval of 6 months. A structural equation model showed that SVG and SII use at Time 1 predicted body surveillance indirectly via valuing appearance over competence at Time 2. Furthermore, SVG and SII use indirectly predicted both thin- and muscular-ideal internalization through appearance comparisons at Time 1. In turn, thin-ideal internalization at Time 1 predicted body surveillance indirectly via valuing appearance over competence at Time 2. The results indicate that sexualization in video games and on Instagram can play an important role in increasing body image concerns among adolescents. We discuss the findings with respect to objectification theory and the predictive value of including appearance comparisons in models explaining the relation between sexualized media and self-objectification.
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25
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Caso D, Schettino G, Fabbricatore R, Conner M. “Change my selfie”: Relationships between self‐objectification and selfie‐behavior in young Italian women. JOURNAL OF APPLIED SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY 2020. [DOI: 10.1111/jasp.12693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Caso
- Department of Humanities University of NaplesFederico II Italy
| | | | | | - Mark Conner
- School of Psychology University of Leeds Leeds UK
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26
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The looking glass selfie: Instagram use frequency predicts visual attention to high-anxiety body regions in young women. COMPUTERS IN HUMAN BEHAVIOR 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.chb.2020.106329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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27
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Boursier V, Gioia F, Griffiths MD. Selfie-engagement on social media: Pathological narcissism, positive expectation, and body objectification - Which is more influential? Addict Behav Rep 2020; 11:100263. [PMID: 32467852 PMCID: PMC7244909 DOI: 10.1016/j.abrep.2020.100263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2019] [Revised: 02/06/2020] [Accepted: 02/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The current use of social media platforms by active young users/creators of visual content provides an easy medium to achieve narcissistic goals of self-promotion and attention-seeking, and to socialize with self-objectification experiences. One of the most popular activities associated with social media use is selfie-sharing. Consequently, the global focus on online physical appearance approval could reinforce selfie-engagement as a specific body image-related behavior, potentially associated with selfie-marketing strategies for self-improvement, and problematic social media use. The present study evaluated the main direct effect of pathological narcissism, objectified body consciousness, and expectations toward selfies on young women's and men's selfie-engagement. A total of 570 young adults (66.8% females; mean age = 24.4 years, SD = 3.6) participated in an online survey study. Variables were assessed using the Pathological Narcissism Inventory (Fossati, Feeney, Pincus, Borroni, & Maffei, 2015), Objectified Body Consciousness Scale (Dakanalis et al., 2015), Selfie-expectancies Scale (Boursier & Manna, 2018), and a measure of selfie-engagement. Hierarchical regression analyses were performed on independent male and female subsamples. Results showed that body surveillance and positive selfie-expectancies are consistent selfie-behavior predictors, among both men (R2 = 0.227; p < .001) and women (R2 = 0.332; p < .001). Furthermore, findings confirm women's involvement in appearance concerns and body-image related practices, even though men's engagement in body-objectification deserve attention. The study provides novel findings in the field of self-objectification research as well as contributing to the ongoing debate concerning which psychological factors can be predictive of males' and females' selfie-engagement. The implications of these findings are also discussed in light of the debate on social media use and misuse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Boursier
- Department of Humanities, University of Naples “Federico II”, Via Porta di Massa, 1 - 80133 Naples, Italy
| | - Francesca Gioia
- Department of Humanities, University of Naples “Federico II”, Via Porta di Massa, 1 - 80133 Naples, Italy
| | - Mark D. Griffiths
- International Gaming Research Unit, Psychology Department, Nottingham Trent University, 50 Shakespeare St, Nottingham NG1 4FQ, UK
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28
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Gioia F, Griffiths MD, Boursier V. Adolescents’ Body Shame and Social Networking Sites: The Mediating Effect of Body Image Control in Photos. SEX ROLES 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s11199-020-01142-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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29
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Jabłońska MR, Zajdel R. Artificial neural networks for predicting social comparison effects among female Instagram users. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0229354. [PMID: 32097446 PMCID: PMC7041802 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0229354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2019] [Accepted: 02/04/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Systematic exposure to social media causes social comparisons, especially among women who compare their image to others; they are particularly vulnerable to mood decrease, self-objectification, body concerns, and lower perception of themselves. This study first investigates the possible links between life satisfaction, self-esteem, anxiety, depression, and the intensity of Instagram use with a social comparison model. In the study, 974 women age 18–49 who were Instagram users voluntarily participated, completing a questionnaire. The results suggest associations between the analyzed psychological data and social comparison types. Then, artificial neural networks models were implemented to predict the type of such comparison (positive, negative, equal) based on the aforementioned psychological traits. The models were able to properly predict between 71% and 82% of cases. As human behavior analysis has been a subject of study in various fields of science, this paper contributes towards understanding the role of artificial intelligence methods for analyzing behavioral data in psychology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta R. Jabłońska
- Department of Computer Science in Economics, Faculty of Economics and Sociology, Institute of Logistics and Informatics, University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland
- * E-mail:
| | - Radosław Zajdel
- Department of Computer Science in Economics, Faculty of Economics and Sociology, Institute of Logistics and Informatics, University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland
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30
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Boursier V, Gioia F, Griffiths MD. Objectified Body Consciousness, Body Image Control in Photos, and Problematic Social Networking: The Role of Appearance Control Beliefs. Front Psychol 2020; 11:147. [PMID: 32158409 PMCID: PMC7052303 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2020.00147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2019] [Accepted: 01/20/2020] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
At present, adolescents' photo-taking and photo-sharing on social media represent ubiquitous practices and objectified body consciousness (OBC) might offer a useful framework to explore online self-presentation and social networking site (SNS) use. Indeed, SNS might represent a highly accessible medium for socializing with self-objectification. However, the relationship between OBC components and problematic SNS use is still understudied. The present study evaluated the previously unexplored predictive role of appearance control beliefs on problematic SNS use, testing the mediating effect of body image control in photos (BICP) across male and female groups. A total of 693 adolescents (55% females; mean age 16 years) participated in the study. Results showed the negatively predictive role of appearance control beliefs on control over body image in photos. Moreover, BICP mediated the appearance control beliefs' negative effect on problematic SNS use in girls. The present study tested the unexplored effect of appearance control beliefs upon problematic SNS use, contributing to the OBC research field and the ongoing debate concerning predictive and protective factors in problematic SNS use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Boursier
- Department of Humanities, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Francesca Gioia
- Department of Humanities, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Mark D. Griffiths
- School of Social Sciences, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham, United Kingdom
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31
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Modica CA. The Associations Between Instagram Use, Selfie Activities, Appearance Comparison, and Body Dissatisfaction in Adult Men. CYBERPSYCHOLOGY BEHAVIOR AND SOCIAL NETWORKING 2020; 23:90-99. [DOI: 10.1089/cyber.2019.0434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
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32
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Yang J, Fardouly J, Wang Y, Shi W. Selfie-Viewing and Facial Dissatisfaction among Emerging Adults: A Moderated Mediation Model of Appearance Comparisons and Self-Objectification. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:E672. [PMID: 31968671 PMCID: PMC7013747 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17020672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2019] [Revised: 01/11/2020] [Accepted: 01/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
With the visual turn in online communication, selfies have become common on social media. Although selfies as a way of self-representation provide people with more chances to express themselves, the adverse effects selfies could bring to users' body image need to be treated seriously. This study tested whether selfie-viewing behaviour on social media was related to facial dissatisfaction and whether appearance comparisons played a mediating role. Moreover, the self-objectification was examined as a moderator between selfie-viewing behaviour and facial dissatisfaction via appearance comparisons. Results showed that more selfie-viewing was associated with higher facial dissatisfaction, and this relationship was mediated by appearance comparisons. The study also found that self-objectification moderated the indirect relation between selfie-viewing and facial dissatisfaction via appearance comparisons. Gender differences were also found to affect the mediation model. Our research provides new insights into the interactions between social media use and perception of body image.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Yang
- School of Journalism and Communication, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China;
| | - Jasmine Fardouly
- Centre for Emotional Health, Department of Psychology, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia;
| | - Yuhui Wang
- Department of Psychology, Renmin University of China, Beijing 100872, China
| | - Wen Shi
- Department of Earth System Science, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China;
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33
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Sánchez-Cabrero R, León-Mejía AC, Arigita-García A, Maganto-Mateo C. Improvement of Body Satisfaction in Older People: An Experimental Study. Front Psychol 2019; 10:2823. [PMID: 31920858 PMCID: PMC6920176 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2019.02823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2019] [Accepted: 11/29/2019] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Aging typically manifests itself in a variety of physical and cognitive alterations and challenges that are not always easily accepted. Feeling dissatisfied with these changes can also affect the mood and self-esteem of older people causing body image problems. The present study focuses on body satisfaction in Spanish older people (176 participants; M and SD = 64.03 ± 1 8.06; age range 50 to over 75) by employing experimental research to test whether psychosocial interventions may have a positive impact. Our aims are threefold: (1) To describe the body satisfaction of older people considering intervening variables, such as age, gender, having a stable partner, time of the year, and place of residence; (2) to compare body satisfaction improvement in older people participating in a specific body satisfaction program designed for this purpose versus a non-specific program run by the Spanish Red Cross; and (3) to examine the relationship between age, gender, having a stable partner, time of the year, place of residence, body satisfaction and participating in the experimental condition. The IMAGINA specific body image program yielded a significant improvement in body satisfaction when compared with the non-specific program in both men and women regardless of marital status and in some age groups: 50 to 54 years old, 60 to 64 years old, and 65 to 69. Male participants, as well as singles, were more satisfied with their bodies, and the contrary was true for divorced and separated. The IMAGINA program was particularly useful in participants with more body image problems. As shown, the pressure to fit beauty standards and related problems do not go away with age, a fact that is embodied and experienced differently in men and women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Sánchez-Cabrero
- Department of Social Sciences and Applied Languages, Alfonso X el Sabio University, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ana C. León-Mejía
- Department of Psychology of Education and Psychobiology, International University of La Rioja (UNIR), Madrid, Spain
| | - Amaya Arigita-García
- Department of Social Sciences and Applied Languages, Alfonso X el Sabio University, Madrid, Spain
| | - Carmen Maganto-Mateo
- Department of Psychology, University of the Basque Country, San Sebastián, Spain
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34
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Saiphoo AN, Vahedi Z. A meta-analytic review of the relationship between social media use and body image disturbance. COMPUTERS IN HUMAN BEHAVIOR 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.chb.2019.07.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
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35
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Frisén A, Berne S. Swedish adolescents’ experiences of cybervictimization and body‐related concerns. Scand J Psychol 2019; 61:68-76. [DOI: 10.1111/sjop.12561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2018] [Accepted: 05/09/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ann Frisén
- Department of Psychology University of Gothenburg Sweden
| | - Sofia Berne
- Department of Psychology University of Gothenburg Sweden
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36
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Modica C. Facebook, body esteem, and body surveillance in adult women: The moderating role of self-compassion and appearance-contingent self-worth. Body Image 2019; 29:17-30. [PMID: 30818160 DOI: 10.1016/j.bodyim.2019.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2018] [Revised: 02/05/2019] [Accepted: 02/05/2019] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
This study examined how Facebook use and specific Facebook activities were associated with body esteem and body surveillance in adult women. This study also examined whether self-compassion and appearance-contingent self-worth moderated the relationship between Facebook appearance comparison and body esteem, and the relationship between Facebook appearance comparison and body surveillance. Self-report measures were administered to adult women (N = 232) between the ages of 20 and 72 (M = 35.91) recruited through MTurk. Results indicated that Facebook appearance-exposure and Facebook appearance comparison significantly related to body surveillance, whereas only Facebook appearance comparison significantly related to body esteem. Overall Facebook use and Facebook intensity were not significantly associated with either body esteem or body surveillance. Self-compassion and appearance-contingent self-worth significantly related to body esteem and body surveillance. However, neither self-compassion nor appearance-contingent self-worth significantly moderated the relationship between Facebook appearance comparison and body surveillance. Similarly, a lack of significant moderation was found for the relationship between Facebook appearance comparison and body esteem. The importance of studying body image and Facebook activities in adult women is discussed. Additionally, the importance for researchers to examine how specific Facebook activities, beyond Facebook use, are linked with body image in this population is also highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher Modica
- Ohio Wesleyan University, Department of Psychology, Phillips Hall 52, Delaware, OH, 43015, United States.
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37
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Fasoli F, Maass A, Volpato C, Pacilli MG. The (Female) Graduate: Choice and Consequences of Women's Clothing. Front Psychol 2018; 9:2401. [PMID: 30555397 PMCID: PMC6281884 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2018.02401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2018] [Accepted: 11/14/2018] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
This research investigates how female students choose their graduation outfit and how clothing affects observers’ judgments. In Study 1, we manipulated the students’ graduation outfit so as to look professional or sexy. Female peers, adults, and professors formed a first impression about the students, their thesis work and guessed their graduation scores (thesis points and final mark). All participant groups judged the professionally dressed students as more competent, as having put more effort in their thesis, and as having obtained better scores than when the same students dressed sexy. In Studies 2 and 3 we replicated previous findings by using photos portraying real students in their actual graduation outfits. We found that sexy clothing, considered inappropriate for the occasion, affected estimated and actual graduation scores negatively and that this effect was mediated by perceived incompetence. Results are discussed with respect to women’s evaluation on the basis of their appearance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabio Fasoli
- School of Psychology, University of Surrey, Guildford, United Kingdom.,Instituto Universitário de Lisboa (ISCTE-IUL), CIS-IUL, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Anne Maass
- Dipartimento di Psicologia dello Sviluppo e della Socializzazione, Università di Padova, Padua, Italy
| | - Chiara Volpato
- Facoltà di Psicologia, Università degli Studi di Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
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Prusaczyk E, Choma BL. Skin tone surveillance, depression, and life satisfaction in Indian women: Colour-blind racial ideology as a moderator. Body Image 2018; 27:179-186. [PMID: 30316021 DOI: 10.1016/j.bodyim.2018.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2018] [Revised: 10/03/2018] [Accepted: 10/04/2018] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Consistent with objectification theory, many studies have shown that self-objectification (and body surveillance) is associated with depression and dissatisfaction with life. Critically, however, much of this research has been conducted with White women attending university in North America. To extend this literature, we investigated whether greater skin tone surveillance - a group-specific manifestation of self-objectification among women of colour - is linked to higher depression and lower life satisfaction among Indian women. Given that some system justifying ideologies provide a protective well-being effect for lower status individuals, we considered whether colour-blind racial ideology (i.e., the minimization/denial of White privilege) weakened the relations between skin tone surveillance and poorer well-being outcomes. Data were collected via Amazon Mechanical Turk; participants included Indian women (N = 177) between the ages of 19-30 living in India. Participants completed measures of skin tone surveillance, colour-blind racial ideology, depression, and life satisfaction. Results revealed that skin tone surveillance was associated with higher depression (and more strongly among women higher in colour-blind racial ideology). Moreover, skin tone surveillance was associated with lower life satisfaction only among women lower in colour-blind racial ideology. Implications are discussed.
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39
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Saunders JF, Eaton AA. Snaps, Selfies, and Shares: How Three Popular Social Media Platforms Contribute to the Sociocultural Model of Disordered Eating Among Young Women. CYBERPSYCHOLOGY BEHAVIOR AND SOCIAL NETWORKING 2018; 21:343-354. [PMID: 29883209 DOI: 10.1089/cyber.2017.0713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
The current study aimed to integrate and test the sociocultural model of disordered eating with theories explaining the impact of mass media on the development of disordered eating for users of three popular social networking platforms. Young women social networking site (SNS) users (age 18-24) who had never received an eating disorder diagnosis (N = 637) completed questions capturing their SNS gratifications and usage, body surveillance, social comparisons, body dissatisfaction, and eating pathology. Measures were administered in one online session. Model relationships were similar across users of all three SNS platforms: Facebook, Instagram, and Snapchat. Users of all platforms demonstrated a significant positive relationship between upward comparisons and disordered eating outcomes, and between body surveillance and disordered eating outcomes, although differences between models did emerge. Empirical findings support extending the sociocultural model of disordered eating to include SNS uses and gratifications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica F Saunders
- 1 Department of Psychology, Florida International University , Miami, Florida
| | - Asia A Eaton
- 1 Department of Psychology, Florida International University , Miami, Florida
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40
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Highly-visual social media and internalizing symptoms in adolescence: The mediating role of body image concerns. COMPUTERS IN HUMAN BEHAVIOR 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.chb.2018.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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41
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Griffiths S, Murray SB, Krug I, McLean SA. The Contribution of Social Media to Body Dissatisfaction, Eating Disorder Symptoms, and Anabolic Steroid Use Among Sexual Minority Men. CYBERPSYCHOLOGY, BEHAVIOR AND SOCIAL NETWORKING 2018; 21:149-156. [PMID: 29363993 PMCID: PMC5865626 DOI: 10.1089/cyber.2017.0375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Social media has been associated with body dissatisfaction and eating disorder symptoms among young women and adolescent girls. However, despite notable evidence of susceptibility to body image pressures, it remains unknown whether these associations generalize to sexual minority men. A nationwide sample of 2,733 sexual minority men completed an online survey advertised to Australian and New Zealand users of a popular dating app. Participants answered questions about how frequently they used 11 different social media platforms in addition to questions about their dating app use, body image, eating disorder symptoms, and anabolic steroids. Facebook, Youtube, Instagram, and Snapchat were the most frequently used social media platforms. A pattern of small-sized and positive associations emerged between social media use and body dissatisfaction, eating disorder symptoms, and thoughts about using anabolic steroids. Facebook, Instagram, and Snapchat evidenced the strongest associations. The associations of social media use with both muscularity dissatisfaction and eating disorder symptoms were stronger for image-centric social media platforms (e.g., Instagram) than nonimage-centric platforms (e.g., Wordpress); no differences were observed for body fat dissatisfaction, height dissatisfaction, or thoughts about using anabolic steroids. Previously documented associations of social media use with body dissatisfaction and related variables among women and girls appear to generalize to sexual minority men. Social media platforms that more centrally involve imagery may be of greater concern than nonimage-centric platforms. Additional research with sexual minority men is needed to elucidate the distinctions between adaptive and maladaptive social media use in the context of body dissatisfaction, eating disorders, and anabolic steroid use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott Griffiths
- Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Stuart B. Murray
- School of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Isabel Krug
- Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Siân A. McLean
- College of Health and Biomedicine, Victoria University, Melbourne, Australia
- School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
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The Effects of System Justifying Beliefs on Skin-Tone Surveillance, Skin-Color Dissatisfaction, and Skin-Bleaching Behavior. PSYCHOLOGY OF WOMEN QUARTERLY 2018. [DOI: 10.1177/0361684317747845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
In two studies with women living in India (Study 1, n = 177) and African American women in the United States (Study 2, n = 120), we investigated whether skin-tone surveillance, which theoretically is a manifestation of self-objectification, predicted greater skin-color dissatisfaction and greater skin-bleaching behavior. Given the existence of colorism in Indian and American societies, we expected that ideologies that rationalize and perpetuate the status quo would moderate the proposed relations. Results were consistent with objectification theory and system justification theory. The positive relation between skin-tone surveillance and skin-color dissatisfaction was weaker among women of color who more strongly (vs. weakly) endorsed system justifying ideologies, and the positive relation between skin-tone surveillance and skin-bleaching behavior was stronger among women of color who more strongly (vs. weakly) endorsed system justifying ideologies. Our results suggest that self-objectification theorists and researchers should consider culturally specific manifestations of self-objectification as well as protective and legitimating effects of system justifying ideologies. We encourage clinicians and policy makers to use public campaigns and individual-level interventions to target the norms and motivations underlying skin-bleaching. Online slides for instructors who want to use this article for teaching are available on PWQ's website at http://journals.sagepub.com/page/pwq/suppl/index
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43
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‘Selfie’-objectification: The role of selfies in self-objectification and disordered eating in young women. COMPUTERS IN HUMAN BEHAVIOR 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.chb.2017.10.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 132] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
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44
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Abstract
Objectification theorists suggest that exposure to sexualizing media increases self-objectification among individuals. Correlational and experimental research examining this relation has received growing attention. The aim of this meta-analysis was to investigate the influence of sexualizing media use on self-objectification among women and men. For this purpose, we analyzed 54 papers yielding 50 independent studies and 261 effect sizes. The data revealed a positive, moderate effect of sexualizing media on self-objectification (r = .19). The effect was significant and robust, 95% CI [.15, .23], p < .0001. We identified a conditional effect of media type, suggesting that the use of video games and/or online media led to stronger self-objectification effects when compared to television use. Other sample characteristics or study characteristics did not moderate the overall effect. Thus, our findings highlight the importance of sexualizing media exposure on women’s and men’s objectified self-concept. We discuss future research directions and implications for practice. We hope that the article will stimulate researchers in their future work to address the research gaps outlined here. Moreover, we hope that the findings will encourage practitioners and parents to reflect on the role of the use of sexualizing media in the development of individuals’ self-objectification. Additional online materials for this article are available on PWQ’s website at http://journals.sagepub.com/doi/suppl10.1177/0361684317743019
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathrin Karsay
- Department of Communication, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Johannes Knoll
- Department of Communication, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Jörg Matthes
- Department of Communication, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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45
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Ward LM, Seabrook RC, Grower P, Giaccardi S, Lippman JR. Sexual Object or Sexual Subject? Media Use, Self-Sexualization, and Sexual Agency Among Undergraduate Women. PSYCHOLOGY OF WOMEN QUARTERLY 2017. [DOI: 10.1177/0361684317737940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- L. Monique Ward
- Department of Psychology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Rita C. Seabrook
- Departments of Psychology and Women’s Studies, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- School of Social Work, Center on Violence Against Women and Children, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
| | - Petal Grower
- Department of Psychology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Soraya Giaccardi
- Department of Psychology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Julia R. Lippman
- Research Center for Group Dynamics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
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46
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Slater A, Varsani N, Diedrichs PC. #fitspo or #loveyourself? The impact of fitspiration and self-compassion Instagram images on women's body image, self-compassion, and mood. Body Image 2017; 22:87-96. [PMID: 28689104 DOI: 10.1016/j.bodyim.2017.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2016] [Revised: 06/08/2017] [Accepted: 06/14/2017] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
This study experimentally examined the impact of exposure to fitspiration images and self-compassion quotes on social media on young women's body satisfaction, body appreciation, self-compassion, and negative mood. Female undergraduate students (N=160) were randomly assigned to view either Instagram images of fitspiration, self-compassion quotes, a combination of both, or appearance-neutral images. Results showed no differences between viewing fitspiration images compared to viewing neutral images, except for poorer self-compassion among those who viewed fitspiration images. However, women who viewed self-compassion quotes showed greater body satisfaction, body appreciation, self-compassion, and reduced negative mood compared to women who viewed neutral images. Further, viewing a combination of fitspiration images and self-compassion quotes led to positive outcomes compared to viewing only fitspiration images. Trait levels of thin-ideal internalisation moderated some effects. The findings suggest that self-compassion might offer a novel avenue for attenuating the negative impact of social media on women's body satisfaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy Slater
- Centre for Appearance Research, University of the West of England, United Kingdom.
| | - Neesha Varsani
- Centre for Appearance Research, University of the West of England, United Kingdom
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47
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McLean SA, Wertheim EH, Masters J, Paxton SJ. A pilot evaluation of a social media literacy intervention to reduce risk factors for eating disorders. Int J Eat Disord 2017; 50:847-851. [PMID: 28370321 DOI: 10.1002/eat.22708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2016] [Revised: 03/07/2017] [Accepted: 03/08/2017] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This pilot study investigated the effectiveness of a social media literacy intervention for adolescent girls on risk factors for eating disorders. METHOD A quasi-experimental pre- to post-test design comparing intervention and control conditions was used. Participants were 101 adolescent girls (Mage = 13.13, SD = 0.33) who were allocated to receive three social media literacy intervention lessons (n = 64) or to receive classes as usual (n = 37). Self-report assessments of eating disorder risk factors were completed one week prior to, and one week following the intervention. RESULTS Significant group by time interaction effects revealed improvements in the intervention condition relative to the control condition for body image (body esteem-weight; d = .19), disordered eating (dietary restraint; d = .26) and media literacy (realism scepticism; d = .32). DISCUSSION The outcomes of this pilot study suggest that social media literacy is a potentially useful approach for prevention of risk for eating disorders in adolescent girls in the current social media environment of heightened vulnerability. Replication of this research with larger, randomized controlled trials, and longer follow-up is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siân A McLean
- School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia.,College of Health and Biomedicine, Victoria University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Eleanor H Wertheim
- School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Jennifer Masters
- Faculty of Education, University of Tasmania, Launceston, Australia
| | - Susan J Paxton
- School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
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48
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Instagram Use and Self-Objectification: The Roles of Internalization, Comparison, Appearance Commentary, and Feminism. SEX ROLES 2017. [DOI: 10.1007/s11199-017-0796-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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49
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Fardouly J, Pinkus RT, Vartanian LR. The impact of appearance comparisons made through social media, traditional media, and in person in women's everyday lives. Body Image 2017; 20:31-39. [PMID: 27907812 DOI: 10.1016/j.bodyim.2016.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 179] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2016] [Revised: 11/04/2016] [Accepted: 11/08/2016] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Appearance comparisons are an important sociocultural factor influencing women's body image. These comparisons can occur in different contexts (e.g., through magazines, social media, in person). However, little is known about the frequency and outcome of appearance comparisons made in different contexts in women's everyday lives. Using Ecological Momentary Assessment methods, female undergraduate students (n=146) completed a brief online survey at random times every day for 5 days. They reported the frequency, direction (upward, lateral, downward), and context of appearance comparisons, and also reported their appearance satisfaction, mood, and diet and exercise thoughts and behaviors. Upward appearance comparisons were the most common across all contexts. Upward comparisons through social media were associated with more negative outcomes on all measures (except diet and exercise behavior) than comparisons made in person, and with more negative mood than comparisons in any other context. These findings highlight the importance of the appearance comparison context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasmine Fardouly
- School of Psychology, UNSW Australia, Sydney, New South Wales 2052, Australia.
| | - Rebecca T Pinkus
- School of Psychology, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia.
| | - Lenny R Vartanian
- School of Psychology, UNSW Australia, Sydney, New South Wales 2052, Australia.
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50
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Cragg DNC, Mulgrew KE, Kannis-Dymand L. Can disclaimer labels or Dove Evolution commercial mitigate negative effects of thin-ideal exposure? J Health Psychol 2017; 24:918-928. [DOI: 10.1177/1359105317690037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
We examined the comparative effectiveness of the Dove Evolution commercial and disclaimer labels as media literacy interventions. Women ( N = 287) viewed thin-ideal images by themselves, preceded by the Dove Evolution commercial, or containing specific or generic disclaimer labels. Participants completed pre- and post-test measures of body satisfaction, post-test social comparison, and media literacy. Interventions were not effective in mitigating drops in body satisfaction, reducing social comparison, or increasing media literacy, despite women understanding their purpose. A 2-week follow-up showed no delayed effects on media literacy. None of these interventions were effective in counteracting the negative effects of media exposure in women.
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