Appearance-Related Comparisons Mediate the Relationship between Instagram Use and Body Image Concerns

• Other Authors: Hendrickse, Joshua Agate (authoraut)
• Format: Others
• Language: English; English
• Published: Florida State University
• Subjects: Communication; Mental health; Social psychology
• Online Access: http://purl.flvc.org/fsu/fd/FSU_FA2016_Hendrickse_fsu_0071N_13460

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between Instagram use and body image concerns among female university students and to test whether appearance-related comparisons on Instagram mediated this relationship. A direct relationship between Instagram use and body image concerns was not found, but appearance-related comparisons on Instagram mediated the relationship. The results suggest that Instagram negatively affects the body image of users who engage in appearance-related comparisons. Another purpose of this study was to determine the role of intrasexual competitiveness for mates and to test whether individual differences in competitiveness influenced individual tendencies to engage in appearance-related comparisons on Instagram. Results showed a significant positive relationship between intrasexual competitiveness for mates and appearance-related comparisons on Instagram. Furthermore, appearance-related comparisons mediated the relationship between Instagram use and drive for thinness. Future studies should consider exploring the relationship between intrasexual competitiveness for mates, social media use, and body image concerns using experimental designs. === A Thesis submitted to the School of Communication in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts. === Summer Semester 2016. === July 27, 2016. === Body Image, Body Image Concerns, Instagram, Media Effects, Social Comparisons, Social Media === Includes bibliographical references. === Laura M. Arpan, Professor Directing Thesis; Arthur A. Raney, Committee Member; Russell B. Clayton, Committee Member.