Instagram use and body dissatisfaction in adult women
Conference Contribution ResearchOnline@JCUAbstract
Introduction: This study examined the relationship between the use of social media and body dissatisfaction in females, with a particular focus on Instagram. It was predicted that Instagram usage would increase body dissatisfaction, and internalization of the thin ideal would mediate the relationship. Methods: A sample of 197 women (MAge 29 years) completed a self-report questionnaire which included time spent on social media; thin internalization, athletic internalization and media influence subscales from the Sociocultural Attitudes Toward Appearance Questionnaire; the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale; Weight Concern and Sexual Attractiveness subscales of the Body Esteem Scale; and a figure rating chart with discrepancy between ideal body size and current body size indicating level of body dissatisfaction. Results: The average time spent on Instagram was 34 minutes per day. Multiple Regression was used to test the predictive effect of internalization, weight concern, sexual attractiveness and media influence on body dissatisfaction for those with an Instagram account (n=108). Time spent on Instagram and weight concern significantly predicted body dissatisfaction, explaining 20.3% of the variance. Those who spent more time on Instagram had greater body dissatisfaction as did those with more weight concerns. Contrary to the sociocultural model, internalization of the thin ideal did not mediate Instagram use and body discontent. For the total sample sexual attractiveness, general media influence, body mass index and weight concern predicted body dissatisfaction, accounting for 44% of the variance. Conclusions: The results offer some insights on the negative impact that Instagram use may have on adult female body image.
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Australasian Society of Behavioural Health and Medicine 2017 Conference
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Surfers Paradise, QLD, Australia
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Australasian Society of Behavioural Health and Medicine
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Surfers Paradise, QLD, Australia
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