The moderating role of self-objectification in the relationship between social media use and body image dissatisfaction

• Main Author: Lange, Aisha C.
• Format: text
• Language: English
• Published: Animo Repository 2024
• Subjects: Social media; Body image; Self-perception; Clinical Psychology
• Online Access: https://animorepository.dlsu.edu.ph/etdm_psych/68; https://animorepository.dlsu.edu.ph/context/etdm_psych/article/1067/viewcontent/2024_Lange_The_moderating_role_of_self_objectification_in_the_relationship_Full_text.pdf
• Institution: De La Salle University

This study examines how social media interaction impacts body image perception and negative feelings among young adult Filipino women, which is vital for addressing appearance- related concerns and promoting positive mental health outcomes. Using an explanatory cross- sectional design, data were collected from 154 participants aged 18-25 via self-report surveys and analyzed with advanced statistical analyses. The aim was to explore the relationship between social media use and body image dissatisfaction, with self-objectification playing a crucial role. Key findings reveal positive connections between social media use and negative perceptions of physical appearance (r = 0.775, p < .001), as well as between self-objectification and dissatisfaction with appearance (r = 0.687, p < .001). Moreover, self-objectification emerged as a critical moderator, suggesting that individuals prone to it may experience heightened body dissatisfaction due to social media pressures. These findings deepen understanding of how young adult Filipino women perceive their body images and are influenced by social media, offering valuable insights for interventions promoting healthier attitudes towards body image and mitigating social media’s adverse mental health effects. Interventions focusing on media literacy and self-objectification awareness should empower young women in navigating social media content and fostering positive body image perceptions, with culturally sensitive approaches essential for promoting overall well-being. Keywords: Social Media Use, Body Image Perception, Young Adults, Self-Objectification, Body Image Dissatisfaction, Objectification Theory