Social media, body satisfaction and well-being among adolescents: A mediation model of appearance-ideal internalization and comparison

#Thisis40: Body image among adult women who post selfies

Prior research suggests that using photo-based social media may increase body image concerns among young women. Consumption of versus contribution to social media may moderate this relationship, and the type of content contributed (e.g., self-images or "selfies") may further account for variations. A critical limitation of the extant scholarship is a lack of attention to understudied groups, such as older women. Using a cross-sectional sample of 238 midlife women (Mage = 50.92), this study investigated the relationship between social media behavior, perceived effects of social media use, and body image indices. Results indicated that our sample of midlife women contributed mainly photos of their current setting and family, contrasting with prior work among younger women. Results suggested that the type of content contributed may be more pertinent to body image than social media behavior generally, and highlighted complex relationships. Posting photos broadly was associated only with lower drive for youthfulness. However, selfie posting specifically was associated with greater facial satisfaction as well as greater positive (e.g., connectedness) and negative (e.g., appearance concerns) perceived effects of social media, but not drive for youthfulness. Results suggest that the type of content contributed to social media may be a particularly important factor for body image, and highlight complex relationships potentially influenced by unmeasured factors such as social media use motivations. Together, these findings contribute to a fuller understanding of social media and body image and call for further theoretically-driven work in this area to guide effective prevention resources.

A pre-post evaluation of the impact of the Embrace Kids film on children's and adults' body image and self-compassion

Given the prevalence of body dissatisfaction among young people, which tends to persist into adulthood, a need exists for large-scale interventions that address this problem. Film has been identified as a resource that is well-suited to large-scale dissemination, which can achieve broad impact and reach. Embrace Kids, a film aimed at improving young people's body image, is one such resource. To evaluate the film's impact on body image, 55 children (M = 10.59, SD = 1.49) and 47 adults (M = 43.75, SD = 8.54) were recruited from the Australian general public to complete a brief survey before and after viewing the film. After viewing the film, significant increases in state body appreciation, state functionality appreciation and state self-compassion were reported for children (d = 0.46 - 0.61) and adults (d = 0.88 - 1.08). They supported the safety of the film by indicating that it did not make them more concerned about their appearance. Findings provide initial support for the film as a scalable intervention that can be safely task-shifted to non-professional audiences. Future research directions include comparing the effect of Embrace Kids against a control film, and testing the longitudinal impact of the film on trait body image.

Enhancing inferences and conclusions in body image focused non-experimental research via a causal modelling approach: A tutorial

Causal inference is often the goal of psychological research. However, most researchers refrain from drawing causal conclusions based on non-experimental evidence. Despite the challenges associated with producing causal evidence from non-experimental data, it is crucial to address causal questions directly rather than avoiding them. Here we provide a clear, non-technical overview of the fundamental concepts (including the counterfactual framework and related assumptions) and tools that permit causal inference in non-experimental data, intended as a starting point for readers unfamiliar with the literature. Certain tools, such as the target trial framework and causal diagrams, have been developed to assist with the identification and reduction of potential biases in study design and analysis and the interpretation of findings. We apply these concepts and tools to a motivating example from the body image field. We assert that more precise and detailed elucidation of the barriers to causal inference within one's study is arguably a key first step in the enhancement of non-experimental research and future intervention development and evaluation.

How Dietary Choices and Nutritional Knowledge Relate to Eating Disorders and Body Esteem of Medical Students? A Single-Center Cross-Sectional Study

Eating disorders and body image concerns are increasingly prevalent issues among young individuals, with medical students being particularly vulnerable due to heightened stress levels. This study enrolled 879 medical students to investigate these concerns. The KomPAN questionnaire was utilized to assess dietary habits and knowledge, the Body Esteem Scale (BES) to evaluate body satisfaction, and The Eating Attitudes Test (EAT-26) to identify eating disorders. A higher level of nutritional knowledge was found to be statistically significantly associated with attempts at excessive calorie restriction among women (β = 0.0864) and negatively among men (β = -0.2039). Moreover, it was negatively associated with self-control of food intake only among men (β = -0.2060). Furthermore, a higher BMI was associated with attempts of excessive calorie restriction in both women and men (β = 0.1052 and β = 0.1656, respectively) and negatively with self-control of food intake (β = -0.0813 and β = -0.1453, respectively). A higher BMI was associated with poorer body esteem across all variables in both genders, except for upper body strength among men. Nutritional knowledge did not correspond with any of these variables, while dietary quality was positively associated with physical condition in women and with physical condition, physical attractiveness, and upper body strength in men. Our study findings suggest that dietary interventions could be improved by considering gender-based behavioral differences and focusing on portion control for individuals with a higher BMI. Caution is warranted in extrapolating the results to the general population due to the specific nature of the study population.

Quality of life and support needs in children, adolescents, and young adults with facioscapulohumeral dystrophy, a mixed-method study

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Quality of life (QoL) in children with facioscapulohumeral dystrophy (FSHD) seems plausible decreased. Little is known about factors influencing QoL in children with FSHD. Our objective is to explore factors contributing to the QoL of children, adolescents, and young adults with FSHD, to describe how they experience life with FSHD, and to report their support needs.

METHODS

We performed a mixed-method study with individual age-appropriate semi-structured interviews assessing QoL in children, adolescents, and young adults with FSHD and their parents. To characterize the sample, quantitative data on QoL, pain, fatigue, and participation were collected. Interview data was analyzed using a thematic analysis.

RESULTS

Fourteen patients participated (age between 9 and 26 years old, eight males and six females). The degree of FSHD severity, as indicated by the FSHD-score, did not correlate with QoL. Older children had a lower QoL than younger children. Children and adolescents strived for normality regardless of physical discomfort. Phenotypical features of FSHD led to insecurity aggravated by hurtful comments of others. The unpredictability of disease progression and its implications for career and parenthood choices led to a generalized feeling of uncertainty about the future. Support was found within family and friends. Participants expressed a need for peer support and psychological support as well as recommending it to others.

DISCUSSION

Quality of life in childhood FSHD is diminished caused by their physical limitations, altered appearance, fear of social rejection, and uncertainty of the disease progression in the future. A fear of social rejection most likely contributes to striving for normality regardless of physical discomfort. Support should be focused on acceptance and coping with hurtful comments. It should preferably be individualized, easily accessible and not offered as therapy but rather as tutoring for children.

Testing general sociocultural and coach-related appearance pressures as the factors associated with disordered eating in competitive female athletes participating in various sports

The aim of the present study was to test the sociocultural Petrie and Greenleaf's (2007) model of disordered eating (DE) in competitive female athletes. Specifically, we tested a model of general sociocultural and coach-related pressures towards body weight and appearance of female athletes as the factors associated with athletes' DE through the mediators such as internalization of appearance ideals and overweight preoccupation. 515 athletes participated in this study. The mean age of the sample was 19.0 ± 5.9 years. Athletes were provided with study measures on general sociocultural and coach-related appearance and body weight pressures, internalization of appearance ideals, overweight preoccupation and DE. Path analyses showed that general sociocultural pressures were associated with DE directly and through internalization of appearance ideals and overweight preoccupation. Pressures from coaches were associated with DE through overweight preoccupation and through the internalization of appearance ideals and overweight preoccupation. The models were invariant across body weight sensitivity in sports and age groups. These results inform DE prevention for female athletes. It is important to increase resistance to sociocultural pressures and pressures from coaches in DE prevention programmes for female competitive athletes of all ages and participating in sports irrespective of sports group (weight-sensitive or less weight-sensitive).

A sociocultural model of the relationships between social media use and body image in midlife women

The use of photo-based social media has been associated with body image concerns among young women. Women in midlife are increasingly experiencing appearance pressures, and these pressures might be particularly strong on social media. However, to date, most of the research on social media use has focused on younger women, and this constitutes an important gap. The purpose of this study was therefore to examine a model of the relationships among social media use and body image among women aged 40 and over. A convenience sample of 192 women aged 40-73 years completed an online survey assessing selfie investment, social media appearance pressures, thin-ideal internalization, appearance comparison, weight and shape concerns, facial satisfaction, drive for youthfulness and drive for muscularity. The final sociocultural model was a good fit to the data, and thin-ideal internalization and appearance comparisons mediated the pathways between the social media variables and the body image ones.

Dissemination of a dissonance-based body image promotion program for mothers and daughters in church settings: A controlled pilot study of Reclaiming Beauty

This proof of concept, controlled pilot study expands on existing dissonance-based body image promotion programs by testing a modified version of the Body Project for 136 mothers and daughters aged 11-18 years old in church settings called Reclaiming Beauty. Mothers (n = 30) and their daughters (n = 35) who participated in Reclaiming Beauty were compared to mothers (n = 32) and daughters (n = 39) in a waitlist, assessment-only, control group on body image, eating psychopathology, and risk factor measures (thin-ideal internalization, physical appearance comparison) at pre-, post-, and 6-month-follow-up assessments. Intent-to-treat, multilevel modeling indicated that mothers and daughters in the Reclaiming Beauty group experienced significant improvement in body appreciation, body shape concerns, eating psychopathology, thin-ideal internalization, and physical appearance comparison over a six-month period compared to control participants. Changes in thin-ideal internalization and appearance comparison did not predict body image and eating psychopathology at follow-up. Baseline levels of body satisfaction did not moderate the effect of the program, except for its effect on body shape concerns. Findings provide preliminary support for delivering a dissonance-based body image promotion intervention to mothers and their daughters and the feasibility of leveraging the mother-daughter relationship as well as delivering interventions in church settings.

#mybestmidlife: Profiles of photo-based social media use and body image among midlife women

Empirical data, predominantly from young women, suggest photo-based social media use is associated with greater body dissatisfaction. The present study aimed to extend these findings to midlife women and identify risk profiles for maladaptive appearance-focused social media use. A convenience sample of female Instagram users aged 40 or over (M= 50.92 years) (n = 192) was collected. Most participants were partnered, white, highly educated, and heterosexual. A cluster analysis in cross-sectional data grouped participants into four categories according to body image indices (following body positive or fitness accounts, body appreciation and dissatisfaction, thin and muscular ideal internalization, and appearance comparison). Differences by cluster emerged according to indices of social media use (e.g., photo editing, social media rumination), although following appearance-related content across types seemed to distinguish risk profiles more than the types of appearance-related content engaged with (i.e., body positive vs fitness). Furthermore, results indicated that higher social media use was associated with greater perceived negative effects of social media, suggesting that awareness alone may be insufficient to reduce behavioral risk. Findings indicate that some midlife women who use photo-based social media may be at high risk for appearance concerns, warranting further research and resource development for this group.

Further evidence of the association between social media use, eating disorder pathology and appearance ideals and pressure: a cross-sectional study in Norwegian adolescents

BACKGROUND

Few studies have investigated how the plethora of contemporary social media (SM) platforms relate to, and influence eating disorder (ED) pathology, appearance ideals and pressure to conform to these ideals in youth.

METHODS

In this study, 1558 girls (53%) and boys (47%), predominantly within the 16-19 age range, completed an online questionnaire assessing SM use and perceived influence on appearance, ED pathology, internalization of appearance ideals and perceived appearance pressure.

RESULTS

Results showed that ED pathology was common, particularly in girls, and that internalization of body ideals was gender specific, a thin ideal being more prevalent in girls, and a muscular ideal being more common in boys. Results also showed a strong association between ED pathology and perceived pressure to conform to these appearance ideals. One fourth of the participants reported spending four hours or more on SM daily, and 80% of girls reported that SM, particularly Instagram and TikTok, had a negative influence on how they felt about their appearance. These girls had significantly higher levels of ED pathology and reported higher levels of appearance pressure from the media.

CONCLUSION

A clear pattern of associations between photo- and video specific SM platforms, ED pathology, internalization of body ideals and perceived pressure was found in this study. Adolescent girls appeared to be particularly at risk. The results illustrate an imperative need to keep addressing the potential risks of SM use in adolescents, and to continue monitoring the effect of SM on young people's view of themselves, their appearance, and their eating habits. Future studies should attempt to identify aspects of SM use that may be particularly detrimental for girls and boys in their formative years, but also those that may enhance adolescents' satisfaction and appreciation of their body and appearance.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

The study is registered in the Open Science Framework (Identifier: 10.17605/OSF.IO/5RB6P https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/5RB6P ).

Unravelling the veil of appearance anxiety: exploring social media use among Chinese young people

The purpose of this study is to explore the relationship between appearance anxiety and social media use among Chinese adolescents. Using a grounded theory approach, the study conducted two-round online interviews with ten Chinese university students and subsequently constructed a theoretical model of social media appearance anxiety among Chinese young people. The results of the study indicate that social media has a dual impact on appearance anxiety. On one hand, increased social media engagement amplifies appearance anxiety by shaping aesthetic standards and fostering comparative environments. On the other hand, diverse aesthetic perspectives and authentic presentations on social media partially alleviate appearance anxiety by promoting acceptance of unique appearances and boosting self-confidence. It is emphasized in this study that there should be an in-depth understanding of the dual impact and complicated relationship of social media on the daily lives of Chinese adolescents to further develop relevant strategies that promote healthy social media behavior among youth. Furthermore, this study calls for efforts to actively promote the healthy image and psychological well-being of adolescents while alleviating the negative impact of appearance anxiety and overall mental health. Such efforts are needed to ensure a positive and healthy development for the younger generation.

A short-form drama series created for the digital media environment: A randomised controlled trial exploring effects on girls' body satisfaction, acceptance of appearance diversity, and appearance-related internalised racism

'Edutainment' micro-interventions are a scalable public health strategy that can challenge media-related body image pressures and race- and weight- based stigma. This study evaluated the impact of viewing a brief, theoretically-informed, short-form drama episode on Black and non-Black adolescent girls' body image, acceptance of diversity of appearance (assessed by acceptance of an individual in a larger body and a Black individual), and appearance-related internalised racism (among Black girls only). The fictional drama depicted characters of diverse body sizes and race/ethnicities, with each episode focusing on a risk or protective factor for body image concerns among adolescent girls (e.g., appearance-related teasing and conversations). Participants (N = 686; 50.4 % Black, 49.6 % non-Black) aged 13-18 (Mage = 15.72 years) were randomly allocated to view either the first episode of this series (focused on social media's unrealistic appearance ideals and strategies to resist pressures) or a non-body-image-related control video. Findings revealed no significant differences in body satisfaction between conditions but significant improvements in the acceptance of appearance diversity among all girls who viewed the body image episode. Black girls who viewed this episode experienced significant improvements to appearance-related internalised racism. Edutainment micro-interventions constitute a promising avenue for promoting acceptance of appearance diversity and reducing appearance-related internalised racism.

Impact of a Web-Based Nutrition Intervention on Eating Behaviors and Body Size Preoccupations among Adolescents

We aimed to evaluate the impact of a web-based school nutrition intervention on eating behavior traits, body weight concern, body size perception and body size dissatisfaction in adolescents. Ten classes of secondary students in Canada (13.6 ± 0.8 years) were randomized into an intervention (n = 162 students) or control group (n = 75 students). Adolescents in the intervention, conducted between 2011 and 2013, participated in an online nutrition challenge to increase their consumption of vegetables, fruits and dairy products using a web-based platform over six weeks. Measurements were taken at baseline (PRE) and post-intervention (POST). No significant negative changes were observed between the intervention and control groups for eating behavior traits, body weight concern, body size perception and dissatisfaction. However, results suggest a trend for a positive effect of the intervention on susceptibility to hunger in boys (group × time interaction, p = 0.10). Specifically, boys experienced a reduction in their susceptibility to hunger in response to the intervention (PRE: 6.1 ± 3.8, POST: 4.8 ± 3.7, p = 0.009). An intervention aimed at improving the eating habits of adolescents did not negatively influence body size preoccupations. In response to the intervention, boys tended to show a lower susceptibility to hunger, which might help them to prevent overeating and adopt healthy eating habits.

The body positivity movement is not all that positive on TikTok: A content analysis of body positive TikTok videos

This analysis examined the content of 342 body positive videos on TikTok. Videos were gathered by searching #body positivity and coded for diversity, positive body image messages, negative appearance-focused messages, other relevant themes, and contradictory messaging. Results demonstrate that body positivity videos on TikTok often portrayed young, White women with unrealistic beauty ideals. Approximately 93% of the videos embodied Western culturally based beauty ideals somewhat or to a great extent, while 32% of the videos portrayed larger bodies. Only 32.2% of the videos contained explicit positive body image messaging, and negative appearance-focused themes or objectifying content was rare. Contradictory messaging was not present. Overall, body positive videos on TikTok rarely displayed features aligned with positive body image and promoted unrealistic beauty ideals but also rarely included explicit negative appearance-focused messaging. Future research examining effects of exposure to body positivity messaging on TikTok, in comparison to other social media platforms, is warranted.

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

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

Body Positivity or Humorous Parody? The Impact of Instagram Imagery on Body Image Concerns

Research has shown that Instagram imagery can affect women's body image. However, it remains unclear how Instagram images are perceived, and which type of images can have a positive impact on body image. In this study (N = 170), we examined whether exposure to body positive and humorous parody (vs. body ideal) imagery would be perceived as critiques of thin body ideals, would elicit photo-based activity in the form of "likes", and would positively affect women's body image. Results showed that both body positivity and humorous parody images elicited more "likes" and were perceived as critiquing thin body standards more than body ideal images. Moreover, women's body satisfaction and positive mood were higher after exposure to body positivity and humorous parody compared to exposure to body ideal images. Women exposed to humorous parody also reported a lower drive for thinness. These findings demonstrate that both body positivity and humorous parody can be considered critiques that improve body image.

The social media diet: A scoping review to investigate the association between social media, body image and eating disorders amongst young people

Background

Eating disorders are a group of heterogenous, disabling and deadly psychiatric illnesses with a plethora of associated health consequences. Exploratory research suggests that social media usage may be triggering body image concerns and heightening eating disorder pathology amongst young people, but the topic is under-researched as a global public health issue.

Aim

To systematically map out and critically review the existing global literature on the relationship between social media usage, body image and eating disorders in young people aged 10–24 years.

Methods

A systematic search of MEDLINE, PyscINFO and Web of Science for research on social media use and body image concerns / disordered eating outcomes published between January 2016 and July 2021. Results on exposures (social media usage), outcomes (body image, eating disorders, disordered eating), mediators and moderators were synthesised using an integrated theoretical framework of the influence of internet use on body image concerns and eating pathology.

Results

Evidence from 50 studies in 17 countries indicates that social media usage leads to body image concerns, eating disorders/disordered eating and poor mental health via the mediating pathways of social comparison, thin / fit ideal internalisation, and self-objectification. Specific exposures (social media trends, pro-eating disorder content, appearance focused platforms and investment in photos) and moderators (high BMI, female gender, and pre-existing body image concerns) strengthen the relationship, while other moderators (high social media literacy and body appreciation) are protective, hinting at a ‘self-perpetuating cycle of risk’.

Conclusion

Social media usage is a plausible risk factor for the development of eating disorders. Research from Asia suggests that the association is not unique to traditionally western cultures. Based on scale of social media usage amongst young people, this issue is worthy of attention as an emerging global public health issue.

Socio-cultural power of social media on orthorexia nervosa: An empirical investigation on the mediating role of thin-ideal and muscular internalization, appearance comparison, and body dissatisfaction

As social media continues to penetrate users' daily lives, concerns about its negative impact on body image issues and eating disorders are becoming focuses of research. It remains unclear whether social media should be held responsible for promoting orthorexia nervosa-a problematic and extreme fixation on healthy eating. The present study draws on socio-cultural theory and tests a social media-based model in the context of orthorexia nervosa to enhance knowledge of social media's influence on body image issues and orthorectic eating tendencies. The socio-cultural model was tested using structural equation modeling based on responses from a German-speaking sample (n = 647). The results indicate that social media users' involvement with health and fitness accounts is associated with higher orthorectic eating tendencies. Thin-ideal and muscular internalizations mediated this relationship. Interestingly, body dissatisfaction and appearance comparison were not mediators, which can be attributed to the characteristics of orthorexia nervosa. Higher involvement with health and fitness accounts on social media was also related to higher appearance comparisons. The results highlight the powerful influence of social media on orthorexia nervosa and the relevance of socio-cultural models in investigating the mechanisms underlying this influence.

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

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

The Role of Social Media in Internalizing Body Knowledge-A Cross-Sectional Study among Women with Different Food Preferences

Virtual spaces, such as social media, give people a platform to exchange their opinions, experiences, and knowledge. Social media's ubiquitous usefulness has led to people relying, in whole or in part, on the information they learn online. As a result, a person's perception of his or her own body and their self-worth has started to be influenced by what other people think of them and by the information found on social media. Modern people's lifestyle, particularly their eating habits and exercise habits, exhibits a similar tendency. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationships occurring between factors related to the use and internalization of body image knowledge contained in social media and the factors shaping self-assessment and self-esteem in women following a vegetarian diet. An authority-validated questionnaire was used to determine the level of use and attitudes of respondents toward social media, e.g., SATAQ and BES. Associations about the potential negative impacts of the knowledge provided by social media on the development of body image and self-esteem were shown. It is interesting to observe that women who practice vegetarianism have less pressure on their appearance. This may be because vegetarianism is a lifestyle that is currently actively promoted online. Education is required on the connection between the use and internalization of social media knowledge and the development of healthy self-esteem and body evaluation.

Adolescent girls' participation in sports is associated with lower negative effects of internalization of thin body ideals on self-objectification: findings from a cross-sectional study

PURPOSE

The aim of the present study was to test a partial sociocultural model of integrated tripartite influence and objectification theories in adolescent girls and to assess the moderating role of participation in sport.

METHODS

This study is part of a larger research that involved a sample of adolescent girls and boys from the 11^th grade. In the present study, data on 842 girls were analysed. The mean age of the sample was 16.9 ± 0.5 years. The adolescent girls completed online questionnaires assessing internalization of thin body ideals, disordered eating attitudes and behaviours, and self-objectification, as well as various aspects of participation in sports. To assess the primary hypotheses, moderated mediation models were tested.

RESULTS

Self-objectification mediated associations between internalization of thin body ideals and disordered eating attitudes and behaviours in adolescent girls. Participation in an achievement sport moderated the association between internalization of thin body ideals and self-objectification, but not between the latter and disordered eating attitudes and behaviours. Internalization of thin body ideals was not significantly associated with self-objectification in girls participating in achievement sport. The association between internalization of thin body ideals and self-objectification was stronger in adolescent girls not involved in any sports activities than in leisure-time exercisers.

CONCLUSION

It is important to promote involvement in sport for all adolescent girls, since it might help them to decrease the negative effect of internalization of thin body ideals on self-objectification and to value body functions over appearance. Decreasing self-objectification and teaching about body functionality might be an effective strategy in programmes aimed at decreasing disordered eating in adolescent girls participating in achievement sport.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level of evidence V, cross-sectional descriptive study.

TikTok use and body dissatisfaction: Examining direct, indirect, and moderated relations

In this study, we examined potential direct, indirect, and moderated effects in the relations between the use of TikTok, a video-based appearance-related social networking site, and body dissatisfaction among a sample of 778 United States' young adult college women. Results showed that TikTok use was indirectly related to body dissatisfaction through more upward appearance comparison and more body surveillance acting in serial. Contrary to our hypotheses, we also found that exposure to body acceptance and critique of appearance expectations, a facet of exposure to body positive media, and commercial media literacy exacerbated the direct relation between TikTok use and upward appearance comparison and the indirect relations between TikTok use and body dissatisfaction through upward appearance comparison and upward appearance comparison and body surveillance in serial. That is, the relations were significant for those at high and average levels of both acceptance and critique exposure and commercial media literacy, but not for those with low levels. Finally, we found that TikTok use was only associated with upward appearance comparison at average and low levels of peer social media literacy but not high levels. Our findings suggest that regular and consistent use of TikTok may be harmful to women's body image, and women with higher levels of acceptance and critique exposure and commercial media literacy may be the most vulnerable to these negative effects.

Engagement with social media content results in lower appearance satisfaction: An experience sampling study using a wrist-worn wearable and a physical analogue scale

Social media use is consistently associated with more negative body image, but much of this literature is cross-sectional and/or lacks ecological validity. To overcome these limitations, we examined associations between everyday social media engagement and appearance satisfaction using an experience sampling method. Fifty participants from Central Europe completed a 14-day experience sampling phase in which they reported their appearance satisfaction at two random time-points each day, as well as following active engagement with social media content, using a wrist-worn wearable and a physical analogue scale (PAS; i.e., angle of a participant's forearm between flat and fully upright as a continuous response scale). Results indicated that engagement with social media content was significantly associated with lower appearance satisfaction. Additionally, we found that engagement with the content of known others was associated with significantly lower appearance satisfaction than engagement with the content of unknown others. These effects were stable even after controlling for participant demographics, active vs. passive daily social media use, and body image-related factors. These results provide evidence that everyday social media engagement is associated with lower appearance satisfaction and additionally provides preliminary support for the use of a PAS in body image research using an experience sampling method.

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

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

Body dissatisfaction, drug use, and associated factors among adolescents in three Brazilian cities

OBJECTIVE

analyze the association between drug use and body dissatisfaction among adolescents in three Brazilian cities.

METHOD

cross-sectional study, using a nested randomized controlled trial to evaluate the drug use prevention program #TamoJunto2.0 of the Ministry of Health in Brazilian schools. The sample consisted of 5,213 students from 73 schools in three Brazilian cities. The outcome body satisfaction was analyzed using the Stunkard scale and the explanatory variables were drug use and sociodemographic data.

RESULTS

the adolescents were between 12 and 14 years old; about 69.9% of them reported body dissatisfaction, and 35.67% used alcohol in the previous year. Dissatisfaction due to overweight was higher among girls (41.5%) and dissatisfaction due to underweight was higher among boys (33.1%). Adolescents who used marijuana were 39% (OR=1.39) more likely to feel dissatisfied due to underweight and being a girl increased the chances of feeling dissatisfied due to overweight by 24% (OR=1.24).

CONCLUSION

the levels of body dissatisfaction deserve attention in hebiatric nursing care and reinforce the importance of educational strategies addressing body image and drug use, relating them to the various subjective attributes that can affect the health of adolescents, whether in the community or at school.

(1) High prevalence of body dissatisfaction related to overweight. (2) Girls presented 24% more chances of feeling body dissatisfaction due to overweight. (3) Marijuana use in adolescence can increase by 39% body dissatisfaction due to underweight. (4) Last year, about 35.7% of adolescents had already consumed alcohol. (5) Health promotion and stimulation of positive perceptions of self-image.

Photo Activity on Social Networking Sites and Body Dissatisfaction: The Roles of Thin-Ideal Internalization and Body Appreciation

Objective: According to sociocultural theory, media is associated with detrimental effects on body image. Due to the popularity of social networking sites (SNS) and the prevalence of body image disturbance among young women, the association between them is worth further exploration. This study examined the relationship between photo activity on SNS and body dissatisfaction (BD) and the roles of thin-ideal internalization (TII) and body appreciation (BA) in this relation. Materials and Methods: A total of 746 Chinese female undergraduate students (mean age 20.34 ± 1.47 years) completed a questionnaire measuring SNS photo activity, TII, BD, and BA. Results: (1) Photo activity on SNS was positively associated with BD (r = 0.10, p < 0.01), and TII could mediate this relation (β = 0.07, 95% CI = [0.04, 0.10]). (2) Both the direct effect of SNS photo activity on BD (β = −0.08, p < 0.05) and the mediating effect of TII (β = −0.09, p < 0.01) were moderated by BA. Specifically, these associations were more pronounced for students with lower BA. Conclusion: People exposed to ideal photos or images can shape women’s body image perception via TII, whether in the age of traditional media or the Internet, and BA did not buffer the effect of ideal photos on internalization. Our findings could provide practical suggestions for rational photo activity on SNS and the intervention for BD.

Social network addiction symptoms and body dissatisfaction in young women: exploring the mediating role of awareness of appearance pressure and internalization of the thin ideal

BACKGROUND

Previous studies testing for a direct relationship between social networking sites (SNS) addiction and body dissatisfaction (BD) have yielded inconsistent results. Here, we aimed to identify underlying processes that could mediate this relationship. Specifically, we studied the relationship between SNS addiction symptoms and BD through the awareness of appearance pressures and the internalization of beauty ideals, both individually and serially: SNS addiction → Awareness → BD; SNS addiction → Internalization → BD; SNS addiction → Awareness → Internalization → BD.

METHOD

A total of 368 female undergraduates with SNS accounts completed scales to assess SNS addiction symptoms (Social Network Addiction Questionnaire), BD (Body Shape Questionnaire), awareness, and internalization (Sociocultural Attitudes Towards Appearance Questionnaire-4; awareness and internalization scales). A theoretical serial mediation model was constructed to examine the proposed relationships. Body mass index was included as a covariate to control the influence of this important variable.

RESULTS

The results indicated that both awareness and internalization independently mediated the relationship between SNS addiction symptoms and BD. Also, there was a significant serial mediation effect; women with more SNS addiction symptoms tended to be more aware of appearance pressure, which was associated with the internalization of beauty ideals. In turn, this internalization was positively related to BD symptoms.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings shed light on the indirect relationship between SNS addiction and BD, demonstrating independent and accumulative mediating effects of awareness and internalization.

Targeting the link between social media and eating disorder risk: A randomized controlled pilot study

OBJECTIVE

Evaluate the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of a self-criticism intervention addressing the link between appearance-motivated social media use and eating disorder risk. Another condition, designed to help users curate their social media feed to reduce negative impacts on wellbeing, was also trialed as an active and credible comparison.

METHOD

University students aged 17-25 (N = 170) were screened and randomized (n = 130) to the self-criticism intervention, social media curation, or waitlist control group. The intervention comprised self-guided cognitive behavior therapy delivered in four modules over 1 week. Primary outcomes were feasibility and acceptability. Secondary outcomes were appearance motivations for social media use, appearance comparison, self-criticism, body image flexibility, and disordered eating (at baseline, one-week postrandomization, and two-weeks postrandomization).

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ACTRN12621000353897.

RESULTS

Participants completed an average of 82% of the intervention modules and 77% of the homework exercises within the week allocated. The intervention was well-accepted; participants reported a range of positive aspects, alongside suggested modifications to the intervention and study design to improve acceptability. Group by time interactions suggested groups changed at a different rate on three secondary outcomes; between-groups effect sizes suggested this was due to greater improvements in the self-criticism group than waitlist control.

DISCUSSION

This was the first study to evaluate an intervention for the link between appearance-related social media use and eating disorder risk for young adults. Positive findings relating to feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy suggest a larger randomized controlled trial, with modifications to the intervention and study design, is warranted.

PUBLIC SIGNIFICANCE

Appearance-related social media use has been linked to poorer body image and disordered eating, necessitating treatments that can disrupt this relationship. The self-criticism intervention evaluated in this study shows promise as a strategy to address this need. It is the first intervention focused on appearance-related social media use to be designed for and tested in young adults, who are at heightened risk of developing an eating disorder.

Body Image Concerns: The Impact of Digital Technologies and Psychopathological Risks in a Normative Sample of Adolescents

Background and Objectives: Previous research on associations between Body Image Concerns (BIC) and technological addictions, such as Internet addiction (IA) and Social Media Addiction (SMA), has focused on female samples, neglecting the impact they may have on males and the risk factor associated with age. The present study analyzed the correlations between BIC, IA, and SMA and between internalizing and externalizing problems. Methods: A sample of 204 participants (118 females; mean age = 15.88 years) were divided into three age groups (early, middle, and late adolescence) and completed a battery of scales including (i) Body Image Concern Inventory, (ii) Bergen Instagram Addiction Scale, (iii) Internet Addiction Test, and (iv) Youth Self Report. Results: Significant associations between BIC and technology addictions (SMA and IA) appeared both in the total sample and in the subgroups related to gender and age; bivariate correlations between internalizing and externalizing problems and variables were significant for the total sample but only in some of the gender- and age-related subgroups. Discussion and Conclusions: This research has shown how associations between BIC and behavioral technology addictions, especially associations with internalizing and externalizing symptoms, may vary by the gender affiliation and developmental stage of the individual.

The Healthy Body Image Intervention and Reduction in Eating Disorder Symptomatology and Muscle Building Supplement Use in High School Students: A Study of Mediating Factors

Background

Mediation analysis is important to test the theoretical framework underpinning an intervention. We therefore aimed to investigate if the healthy body image (HBI) intervention's effect on eating disorder (ED) symptomatology and use of muscle building supplements was mediated by the change in risk and protective factors for ED development and muscle building supplement use.

Methods

This study used data from the HBI intervention: a cluster randomized controlled universal intervention aiming to promote positive body image and embodiment and reduce the risk for ED development including 30 schools in Norway. A total of 1,713 (37% boys) participants were included in the analyses. Conditional latent growth curve analyses were performed to test for indirect effects on ED symptomatology and weekly frequency of protein and creatine supplement use measured at the 12-month follow-up via change in the proposed mediators.

Results

In girls, the reduction in ED symptomatology was mediated by positive changes in protective factors (self-esteem and body image flexibility) and reductions in risk factor scores (perceived media pressure and thin appearance internalization). Comparable changes in protective and risk factors among boys played no mediating role.

Conclusion

Interventions aiming to reduce the risk of ED development in girls may benefit from aiming to enhance self-esteem and body image flexibility and reduce perceived media pressure and thin appearance internalization. Future studies should investigate the casual relationship between muscle building supplement use and risk and protective factors for ED development in both girls and boys.

Psychology Education Reform and Quality Cultivation of College Music Major From the Perspective of Entrepreneurship Education

With the continuous development of the times, music education in primary and secondary schools is constantly innovating in terms of teaching concepts, teaching methods, and implementation methods. The reform of basic music education has aroused the reflection of music teacher education in colleges and universities, and the talent training model of music teachers has become a hot issue that has been widely concerned in the new era. To explore the educational significance and influencing factors of entrepreneurship education in college music education and examine the mediating role of self-efficacy and gender adjustment in entrepreneurial education, based on the analysis of music education and entrepreneurial talent training in colleges and universities, a questionnaire survey, statistics, and data processing were adopted in this work. In this work, a path model was established based on the mediating effect and the moderating effect, and the equation model was tested. The results show that music education has a positive correlation with entrepreneurial self-efficacy and a negative correlation with entrepreneurial intention, which has not been proved to have a certain effect on entrepreneurial intention. Entrepreneurial self-efficacy has a positive correlation with entrepreneurial intention, and the mediating effect between music professional education and entrepreneurial intention has also been proved. Since there are gender differences and certain stereotypes that cannot be ignored in music education learning, gender adjustment also has a certain influence on entrepreneurial self-efficacy based on music professional education, thereby having a moderating effect on entrepreneurial intentions. Entrepreneurship education can improve the comprehensive competitiveness of students. As a result, entrepreneurship education can improve the innovation and entrepreneurship education model and the music education system in colleges and universities by combining with the relationship between entrepreneurial efficacy and intention, and it contributes to the overall cultivation of talent in colleges and universities.

The contribution of social media addiction to adolescent LIFE: Social appearance anxiety

The use of social media by adolescents, who spend about 3 hours a day on social media, is dominated by visual communication. Nowadays, appearance ideals are presented through social media platforms. Exposure to these popular ideals of appearance could cause appearance-based anxiety and adolescents to develop binge-eating behavior. This cross-sectional study was conducted to determine social appearance anxiety, social media addictions, and emotional eating behaviors of adolescents. 1363 adolescents, living in the Central Anatolian Region of Turkey, were included in the study. Data were collected with a Questionnaire form, the Social Appearance Anxiety Scale (SAAS), Social Media Addiction Scale (SMAS), and Emotional Eating Scale (EES-C). 24.4% of adolescents are social media addicts. No relationship was found between adolescents' social appearance anxiety, social media addictions, and emotional eating behaviors. However, social appearance anxiety and social media addictions of girls, those who perceive their family income as low and who think that they are influenced by social media influencers have higher anxiety. The value of this study is that it shows that gender, low income perception, time spent on social media, being influenced by influencers, following influencers who share diet and nutrition content, and social media addiction are associated with social appearance anxiety. As a result, it is thought that social media addiction and being affected by social media influencers increase social appearance anxiety in adolescents and pose a risk in terms of adolescents' mental health.

Incorporating social media and muscular ideal internalization into the tripartite influence model of body image: Towards a modern understanding of adolescent girls' body dissatisfaction

The tripartite influence model stipulates that appearance pressures from three sources (family, peers, traditional media) lead adolescent girls to internalize a thin appearance ideal and engage in social appearance comparisons, resulting in body dissatisfaction (Thompson et al., 1999). Social media is a modern source of appearance pressure and, increasingly, adolescent girls desire an appearance that is both thin and muscular. The current study of U.S. adolescent girls (n = 543, M_age = 15.58, 49.17% Latina, 28.18% White, 8.66% Black, 7.55% Asian, 6.45% multiracial/another race/ethnicity) incorporates social media appearance pressures and muscular ideal internalization into the tripartite influence model using structural equation modeling. Findings provided support for this adapted model: family, peers, traditional media, and social media contributed to body dissatisfaction. All appearance pressure sources were associated with appearance esteem via thin ideal internalization. Peer and social media pressures were both related to greater muscular ideal internalization, which was not significantly associated with appearance esteem. Social media was the only source of pressure associated with appearance esteem through both thin ideal internalization and body comparison. Findings highlight adolescent girls' pressure to look both thin and muscular, as well as the role of social media as a prominent source of appearance socialization.

Improving Body Satisfaction Through Fitness App Use: Explicating the Role of Social Comparison, Social Network Size, and Gender

Body dissatisfaction is prevalent worldwide, fueling the highly lucrative diet and plastic surgery industry, with many adverse outcomes. Yet, limited attention has been dedicated to noninvasive interventions that effectively enhance body satisfaction. We argue that, by altering the target of the social comparison process, people can shift their focus from body appearance to physical activity level. The present study investigated whether social comparison in terms of physical activity level provided by fitness apps could affect users' body satisfaction. A survey was conducted with 643 users of WeRun, the Chinese leading mobile fitness app. Subsequent analyses revealed that both upward and downward social comparison mediated the positive relationship between fitness app use and body satisfaction. Moreover, the users' social network size and gender played a moderating role in the social comparison processes. Fitness app use was positively related to downward comparison for male users; social network size moderated the relationship between fitness app use and upward comparison for female users. The utility of fitness apps in mitigating body dissatisfaction is also discussed.

An examination of the factor structure of the Goldfarb Fear of Fat Scale in clinical and non-clinical samples of Polish women

Although associations between fear of fat and eating disorders (ED) have been frequently studied, it appears that the construct of fear of fat requires in-depth understanding to determine whether it is similar in individuals diagnosed with bulimia nervosa, anorexia nervosa, and individuals from the general population. The purpose of our study was to confirm the factor structure of the Goldfarb Fear of Fat Scale (GFFS) in clinical and non-clinical settings. This issue has not yet been investigated in the literature. Data were collected from 126 female patients diagnosed with ED and a total of 581 women from the general population. Our findings are highly consistent with the original single-factor structure of GFFS but only in the clinical sample. In the non-clinical sample, a good fit to the data has been achieved with a two-factor model composed of Fear of gaining weight and Fear of losing control over eating/weight. The Polish version of GFFS demonstrated good psychometric properties. It can be used as a fast screening tool to identify individuals with eating disorders and those at risk of developing such disorders. We recommend the two-factor model for non-clinical samples and the one-dimensional model for clinical samples for both research and practice.

Breasts, Butts, and Thighs—Oh My! Weight Spurt and Body Image Messages in Girls’ Puberty Books

Analyze popular girls’ puberty books to understand what messages they portray about weight spurt and body image. A critical ethnography was conducted of 13 best-selling books about girls’ puberty. This analysis specifically focused on messages about weight gain/spurt and body image presented in the books and whether these were aligned with larger cultural understandings of weight gain and body image. A data-driven thematic analysis was conducted on the portions of each book relevant to weight gain and body image. The cultural fat-phobic scripts were prevalent in the books, contrasting the well-intended developmental messages. Discussions of weight tended to be negatively framed and weight gain expectations were distressingly vague. The books discussed the necessity of and biological rationale for those changes while normalizing variation in timing. The books also focused on developing a positive body image during this time. Understanding this allows us to see the pervasive, conflicting messages about weight-spurts that girls are receiving from these resources, which can be used to tailor book choice and outreach programs.

Role of Social Media Marketing Activities in Influencing Customer Intentions: A Perspective of a New Emerging Era

The aim of this study is to explore social media marketing activities (SMMAs) and their impact on consumer intentions (continuance, participate, and purchase). This study also analyzes the mediating roles of social identification and satisfaction. The participants in this study were experienced users of two social media platforms Facebook and Instagram in Pakistan. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data from respondents. We used an online community to invite Facebook and Instagram users to complete the questionnaire in the designated online questionnaire system. Data were collected from 353 respondents, and structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to analyze the data. Results show that SMMAs have a significant impact on the intentions of users. Furthermore, social identification mediates the relationship between social media activities and satisfaction, and satisfaction mediates the relationship between social media activities and the intentions of users. This will help marketers how to attract customers to develop their intentions. This is the first novel study that used SMMAs to address the user intentions with the role of social identification and satisfaction in the context of Pakistan.

Adolescent Eating Disorder Risk and the Social Online World: An Update

The role of traditional media (television and magazines) in creating eating disorder risk has long been a topic of discussion and research, but the proliferation of social media and rapid increase in the use of the Internet by adolescents generates new dynamics and new risks for the development and maintenance of eating disorders. Recent research describes the relationship between Internet and social media use and eating disorders risk, with the greatest associations found among youth with high levels of engagement and investment in photo-based activities and platforms. Here, we review different types of online content and how they are relevant to eating disorders and consider the theoretical frameworks predicting relationships between Internet and social media and eating disorders, before examining the empirical evidence for the risks posed by the online content in the development and maintenance of eating disorders. We describe proeating disorder content specifically and examine the research related to it; we then consider the implications of such content, highlight directions for future research, and discuss possible prevention and intervention strategies.

Insatisfacción con la imagen corporal, uso de drogas y factores asociados entre adolescentes en tres ciudades brasileñas

Resumen Objetivo: analizar la asociación entre uso de drogas y la insatisfacción con la imagen corporal de adolescentes en tres ciudades brasileñas. Método: estudio transversal, anidado en un ensayo controlado aleatorio para evaluar el programa de prevención del uso de drogas en escuelas brasileñas #TamoJunto2.0 del Ministerio de la Salud. La muestra fue de 5.213 alumnos de 73 escuelas de tres ciudades brasileñas. El desenlace satisfacción corporal se analizó mediante la escala de Siluetas de Stunkard y las variables explicativas fueron el consumo de drogas y los datos sociodemográficos. Resultados: los adolescentes tenían entre 12 y 14 años y alrededor del 69,9% relató insatisfacción corporal, y en el último año el 35,67% consumió alcohol. La insatisfacción por sobrepeso fue mayor en las niñas (41,5%) y por bajo peso en los niños (33,1%). Los adolescentes que consumían marihuana tenían un 39% (OR=1,39) más de probabilidades de estar insatisfechos con el bajo peso y ser niña aumentó en un 24% (OR=1,24) las chances de insatisfacción por sobrepeso. Conclusión: los niveles de insatisfacción corporal merecen atención en el cuidado de enfermería hebiátrica y refuerzan la necesidad de estrategias educativas abordando la imagen corporal y el uso de drogas, relacionándola a los varios atributos subjetivos que pueden afectar la salud de los adolescentes, ya sea en la comunidad o en la escuela.

Insatisfação com a imagem corporal, uso de drogas e fatores associados entre adolescentes em três cidades brasileiras

Resumo Objetivo: analisar a associação entre uso de drogas e a insatisfação com a imagem corporal de adolescentes em três cidades brasileiras. Método: estudo transversal, aninhado em um ensaio controlado randomizado para avaliar o programa de prevenção ao uso de drogas em escolas brasileiras #TamoJunto2.0 do Ministério da Saúde. A amostra foi de 5.213 alunos de 73 escolas de três cidades brasileiras. O desfecho satisfação corporal foi analisado por meio da escala de Silhuetas de Stunkard e as variáveis explicativas foram o uso de drogas e dados sociodemográficos. Resultados: os adolescentes tinham entre 12 e 14 anos e cerca de 69,9% relataram insatisfação corporal, e no último ano 35,67% utilizaram álcool. A insatisfação por sobrepeso foi maior nas meninas (41,5%) e por baixo peso nos meninos (33,1%). Os adolescentes que usavam maconha apresentaram 39% (OR=1,39) mais chance de insatisfação por baixo peso e ser menina aumentou em 24% (OR=1,24) as chances de insatisfação por sobrepeso. Conclusão: os níveis de insatisfação corporal merecem atenção no cuidado de enfermagem hebiátrica e reforçam a necessidade de estratégias educativas abordando a imagem corporal e uso de drogas, a relacionando aos vários atributos subjetivos que podem afetar a saúde dos adolescentes, seja na comunidade ou escola.

The impact of completing body image assessments on adolescents' body image and engagement in body change strategies: Harmful or harmless?

Parents and educators have raised concerns that participating in body image research may cause or increase poor body image and engagement in body change strategies. This quasi-experimental study compared body image and body change strategy outcomes among adolescents who had, and had not, previously been exposed to the same assessment questions 6-months prior (twice- vs once-completers). Comparison was also made between groups who completed an assessment containing only positively worded items or both positive and negative items (positive vs mixed valence). Boys and girls (N = 1,532, M_age = 13.83, SD = 1.18) completed online measures of body dissatisfaction, body appreciation, overvaluation of weight and shape, appearance esteem, and body change strategies. In regression analyses, neither body image nor body change strategies were predicted by group (completion or valence groups), except lower body dissatisfaction and higher body appreciation among twice-completers. Most participants did not experience individual-level change in body image or body change strategies over 6-months. Findings suggest that body image assessments may not put adolescents at risk of poor body image or engagement with body change strategies, however; experimental research is needed. Some improvement in body image may have implications for prospective and prevention research.

Social media, body image, and the question of causation: Meta-analyses of experimental and longitudinal evidence

This article presents four meta-analyses that can inform causality in the relationship between social media and body image; 24 experimental samples comparing the effect of appearance-ideal social media images to non-appearance-related conditions (n = 3816); 21 experimental samples examining the effect of contextual features (e.g., comments and captions) accompanying appearance-ideal social media images (n = 3482); 14 experimental samples investigating the effect of appearance-ideal images versus other appearance images on social media (n = 2641); and 10 longitudinal samples on social media use and body image (n = 5177). Social media appearance-ideal images had a moderate negative effect on body image (Hedges' g = -0.61, p < .01), were more damaging in higher- than lower-risk contexts (Hedges' g = -0.12, p < .01), and were moderately more impactful than other social media appearance images (Hedges' g = -0.68, p = .05). These effects were smaller but significant with outliers removed. Social media use had a very small, negative correlation with body image longitudinally (Fisher's Z = -0.08, p < .001). No significant moderators emerged. Clinicians should consider approaches to managing social media use, particularly exposure to appearance-ideal imagery, in case conceptualisation and psychoeducation for clients at risk of, or experiencing, body image disturbance.

Outcomes of a Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial of the SoMe Social Media Literacy Program for Improving Body Image-Related Outcomes in Adolescent Boys and Girls

Although the negative effect of social media use among youth on body image and eating concerns has been established, few classroom-based resources that can decrease these effects through targeting social media literacy skills have been developed. This study aimed to test the efficacy of SoMe, a social media literacy body image, dieting, and wellbeing program for adolescents, through a cluster randomized controlled trial. Participants (n = 892; M_age = 12.77, SD = 0.74; range 11–15; 49.5% male) were randomized by school (n = 8) to receive either weekly SoMe (n = 483) or control sessions (lessons as usual; n = 409) over 4 weeks in their classroom. Participants completed surveys at four timepoints (baseline, 1-week post-intervention, and 6- and 12-month follow-up) assessing body dissatisfaction, dietary restraint, strategies to increase muscles (primary outcomes), self-esteem and depressive symptoms (secondary outcomes), and internalization of appearance ideals and appearance comparison (exploratory outcomes). Modest positive intervention effects were found in dietary restraint and depressive symptoms at 6-month follow-up in girls but few positive effects emerged for boys. The findings provide only preliminary support for a social media literacy intervention, but suggest the usefulness of both identifying those who benefit most from a universally delivered intervention and the need to refine the intervention to maximize intervention effects.

Science mapping research on body image: A bibliometric review of publications in Body Image, 2004-2020

Science mapping is a methodology that combines quantitative analysis, classification, and visualisation to identify the composition and inter-relationships between bibliographic objects. Here, we used bibliometric science mapping to identify the overarching structure, evolution of research themes and research fronts, and geographic spread of body image research. We examined 2,783 keywords in 1,107 articles published in Body Image between 2004 and 2020, selected as being representative of body image research during this period. Co-occurrence analysis of the keywords enabled us to identify five general themes in the literature: "clinical and weight-related issues", "body image and disordered eating", "positive body image and objectification", "media effects", and "ethnicity/race". Burst analysis allowed us to identify research fronts in this research, with work on social media and positive body image in particular being identified as emergent. Finally, co-author analysis indicated that body image research networks are heavily focused on a small handful of nations, although there is evidence of a recent shift toward greater geographic spread. Our results, and the provision of interactive maps and extensive tables, should allow readers to examine connections between research clusters and areas, generate novel research ideas, and more fully understand the evolution and future trajectories of body image research.

Investigating the Linkages between BMI, Body Image, and SATAQ among Young Asian Females

Sociocultural attitudes toward appearance and its linkage to body mass index (BMI) and body image is a relationship worth studying, especially in Asia, where the idealization of thinness can be prominent. The Sociocultural Attitudes Toward Appearance Questionnaire (SATAQ) developed by Heinberg et al. in 1995 was used in this study to examine whether these beliefs have been internalized. Furthermore, the Body Esteem Scale (BES) was used to quantify body image. The formal in-person survey was administered in Taipei, Taiwan. There were 301 valid samples out of 330 surveyed respondents. To enhance the representativeness of the samples, a stratified sampling technique was applied to generate survey data with valid samples following gender and age distributions of the population between the ages of 14 and 28. The internalization dimension represented how strongly the respondents considered the importance of the socially accepted concept of appearance based on personal perceived social norms. The other dimension, awareness, represented the sociocultural pressures from the outside world, such as from the image of slimness illustrated in the media or group, in comparison to personal beliefs. Our results demonstrated that respondents with above-normal BMIs internalized the socially preferred standards of thinness more than respondents with normal or under-normal BMIs. Furthermore, results also revealed, overall, a negative relationship between SATAQ and body image and between body image and BMI. The study highlights the need to emphasize “fitness over thinness” to help improve negative body image among young Asian females.

Fact-Checking of Health Information: The Effect of Media Literacy, Metacognition and Health Information Exposure

With the rampant circulation of health information, concerns for the information quality are growing. Thereby, scholars are calling for media literacy as an educative means to cultivate fact-checking behavior among information consumers. Focusing on the critical role of metacognition for education effectiveness, this study examined the underlying mechanism that is conducive to the success of media literacy in the context of health information consumption. Based on the survey data collected from 502 Reddit.com users, our findings showed that media literacy was positively associated with fact-checking behavior for health information. Mediation analysis indicated that metacognition mediated the positive relationship between media literacy and fact-checking behavior. In addition, moderated-mediation analysis demonstrated that the mediating effect was weaker for individuals who had higher exposure to health information. The study sheds light on the factors that are essential for the success of media literacy. Implications and future directions are discussed.

Healthy Food on Instagram Social Network: Vegan, Homemade and Clean Eating

Social media platforms have become part of many people's lives. Users are spending more and more time on these platforms, creating an active and passive digital footprint through their interaction. This footprint has high research potential in many research areas because understanding people's communication on social media is essential in understanding their values, attitudes, experiences and behaviors. Researchers found that the use of social networking sites impacts adolescents' eating behavior. If we define adolescents as individuals between ages 10 and 24 (WHO's definition), 76% of USA young people at age 18-⁠24 use Instagram, so the Instagram social network analysis is important for understanding young people's expressions in the context of healthy food. This study aims to identify the main topic associated with healthy food on the Instagram social network via hashtag and community analysis based on 2,045,653 messages created by 427,936 individual users. The results show that users most associate Healthy food with healthy lifestyle, fitness, weight loss and diet. In terms of food, these are foods that are Vegan, Homemade, Clean and Plant-based. Given that young people change their behavior in relation to people's behavior on social networks, it is possible to use this data to predict their future association with healthy food characteristics.