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Validation of a Psychosocial Intervention on Body Image in Older People: An Experimental Design
Published on: May 31, 2021
Relationship Between Instagram, Body Satisfaction, and Self-Esteem in Early Adulthood
Cristina Flores Mata1, Carmina Castellano-Tejedor1,2,3,4,5
1Faculty of Psychology, Universidad Internacional de la Rioja, 26006 Logroño, Spain.
Increased Instagram use is linked to greater body dissatisfaction in young adults, especially when viewing appearance-focused content. Self-esteem was not significantly affected, but body satisfaction and self-esteem were positively correlated.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Media Studies
- Public Health
Background:
- Social media platforms like Instagram are widely used by young adults.
- Concerns exist regarding the impact of social media on body image and psychological well-being.
- Understanding the specific effects of Instagram use on body satisfaction and self-esteem is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between Instagram usage and body satisfaction in young adults aged 20-40.
- To examine the influence of Instagram use on self-esteem within the same demographic.
- To quantitatively analyze self-report measures to understand these effects.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional survey design was employed.
- Participants (N=95) completed the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES) and the Body Shape Questionnaire (BSQ).
- Ad hoc questions assessed Instagram usage patterns and content exposure.
Main Results:
- Greater Instagram use was significantly associated with increased body dissatisfaction (p = 0.005).
- Instagram use did not significantly impact self-esteem (p = 0.211).
- Exposure to appearance-centered content correlated with higher body dissatisfaction; body satisfaction and self-esteem were positively correlated (p < 0.001).
Conclusions:
- Instagram use, particularly appearance-focused content, significantly impacts body dissatisfaction in young adults.
- Self-esteem was not directly affected by Instagram use in this study.
- Interventions promoting healthy social media habits and critical content engagement are recommended to improve body image and psychological well-being.
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