Social media and the development of eating disorders among young women. Beauty ideals on Facebook and Instagram


Book Description

Document from the year 2020 in the subject Sociology - Gender Studies, , language: English, abstract: Social media such as Facebook or Instagram have become an integral part of our society. For teenagers and young adults in particular, they are an integral part of everyday life. However, social media is no longer just about exchanging information with social contacts. The platforms also serve to present oneself and form opinions about body ideals. It is not uncommon for these ideals of beauty to contribute to distorted body perception and a negative body self-image. As Jacqueline Ammer shows in her publication, young women in particular try to live up to ideals and as a result develop eating disorders. But is this development really related to social networks? Ammer deals with the influence of Facebook and Instagram on the eating behavior of young women aged 15 to 25. Basically, significantly more young women than men suffer from eating disorders, especially between the ages of 15 and 24. In her book, Jacqueline Ammer makes it clear how closely the ideal female body is linked to slimness. From the content: - obsession with thinness; - diet; - mental health; - self-awareness; - self-esteem




DETECTION OF EATING DISORDERS AMONG YOUNG WOMEN


Book Description

Eating disordered behavior is a crucial health issue that has been studied by several researchers over the years and continues to be addressed by many. Extreme concern for body image is acknowledged as one of the foundations for eating disorders and thinness ideal. Therefore, it becomes imperative to understand how young adults will react to universal messages related to body image and body dissatisfaction issues displayed in various forms of media. In this study, an important objective is to examine the prevalence of body dissatisfaction among young adult users of social media such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest. Yet another objective is to examine if body dissatisfaction among these users is associated with disordered eating behaviors. The present study, using the Theory of Planned Behavior, investigated the socio-cultural factors that may influence self-reported disordered eating behavior in young adults, especially females. To address these objectives, quantitative data were collected using a self-administered online survey. The data analysis found that more the number of hours spent on social media sites, higher is the body dissatisfaction among young adults. The data also show that body dissatisfaction is predicted by low levels of self-esteem, and high level of internalization of thinness ideal. When comparing the association of body dissatisfaction with eating disorders, it was found that among young adult female users of social media, body dissatisfaction levels are positively associated with eating disorder behaviors. When TPB variables were employed to screen for intentions to engage in strict dietary behavior as well as intention to engage anorexic and bulimic behavior, it is found that attitude, subjective norms and peer norms relating to food and thinness, and perceived behavioral control are statistically significant. Furthermore, when intention to perform the desired behavior, along with all other variables, namely attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control were regressed to predict self-reported disordered eating behaviors, the model was significant with very high R2 value. The findings will be crucial to the future health communication campaigns for recognizing the importance of intentions and TPB variables to predict self-reported disordered eating behavior. Moreover, the larger aim of the study is to broaden development communication (devcom) as a field of study by focusing on how it could deal with building the capacity of people to live meaningful, expressive lives. The empirically supported findings of this study clearly showcase how devcom could help foster an empowered community of social media users with a countervailing voice to deal with the problem inhibiting their capacities and capabilities due to the universal media and societal messages of the thinness ideal.




Handbook of Life Course Health Development


Book Description

This book is open access under a CC BY 4.0 license. ​This handbook synthesizes and analyzes the growing knowledge base on life course health development (LCHD) from the prenatal period through emerging adulthood, with implications for clinical practice and public health. It presents LCHD as an innovative field with a sound theoretical framework for understanding wellness and disease from a lifespan perspective, replacing previous medical, biopsychosocial, and early genomic models of health. Interdisciplinary chapters discuss major health concerns (diabetes, obesity), important less-studied conditions (hearing, kidney health), and large-scale issues (nutrition, adversity) from a lifespan viewpoint. In addition, chapters address methodological approaches and challenges by analyzing existing measures, studies, and surveys. The book concludes with the editors’ research agenda that proposes priorities for future LCHD research and its application to health care practice and health policy. Topics featured in the Handbook include: The prenatal period and its effect on child obesity and metabolic outcomes. Pregnancy complications and their effect on women’s cardiovascular health. A multi-level approach for obesity prevention in children. Application of the LCHD framework to autism spectrum disorder. Socioeconomic disadvantage and its influence on health development across the lifespan. The importance of nutrition to optimal health development across the lifespan. The Handbook of Life Course Health Development is a must-have resource for researchers, clinicians/professionals, and graduate students in developmental psychology/science; maternal and child health; social work; health economics; educational policy and politics; and medical law as well as many interrelated subdisciplines in psychology, medicine, public health, mental health, education, social welfare, economics, sociology, and law.




Beyond the Looking Glass: Understanding the interplay of Body Image, Social Anxiety, and Eating Disorders in Young Adults


Book Description

In this book, "Beyond the Looking Glass: Understanding the Interplay of Body Image, Social Anxiety, and Eating Disorders in Young Adults," we have explored the complex relationship between body image dissatisfaction, social anxiety, and disordered eating behaviors. Throughout our journey, we have gained a deeper understanding of how these factors interplay and impact the lives of young adults. It is important for teens and young adults to recognize that their mental and physical health are intertwined. Our body image, how we perceive ourselves, can greatly inuence our social interactions and overall wellbeing. The pressure to conform to societal beauty standards can lead to body dissatisfaction and, in turn, contribute to the development of social anxiety and disordered eating behaviors. However, it is essential to remember that there is no one-size- ts-all denition of beauty. It is crucial to embrace diversity and celebrate our unique qualities. Instead of striving for an unattainable ideal, we should focus on nurturing a healthy mind and body. Building a healthy mind involves cultivating positive self-esteem and practicing self-compassion. Instead of comparing ourselves to others, we should focus on our own growth and personal achievements. Surrounding ourselves with a supportive network of friends and family who uplift and encourage us can also contribute to our mental well-being. Taking care of our physical health is equally important. This means fueling our bodies with nutritious foods, engaging in regular physical activity that we enjoy, and developing a healthy relationship with food. It is vital to listen to our body's needs and honor its signals rather than succumbing to restrictive diets or excessive exercise.




Social Media and Its Connection to the Development of Eating Disorders


Book Description

Despite seeming ubiquitous, social media has only been around for about 20 years. Many people around the world are now logging into social media communities, which are communities online where people can interact with others and share, create, and trade ideas and information (Ghaznavi & Taylor, 2015). While such communities can be useful, they have had a negative impact on the development of eating disorders. There has been growing understanding and increased interest in the complexity of eating disorders in recent years (Costa, Maroco, Gouveia, & Ferreira, 2016), and it is clear that social media and pro-eating disorder websites promote body idealized images that may influence the development of eating disorders, although media has had an impact on this issue prior to social media. While women are most often associated with the topic of eating disorders, men are also at risk. In addition, adolescents and children use the Internet more than other groups, so they are at a higher risk for being impacted by these websites. Beyond the United States, different cultures around the world have different body ideals and are also impacted by social media, but in different ways. The problems associated with the relationship between social media communities and eating disorders demands solutions. Both policy and practice are being developed, but there remains work to be done.




Positive Body Image Workbook


Book Description

This clear and easy-to-use workbook provides clinicians, clients, and those interested in self-improvement with a practical guide to understanding and improving body image through the latest research findings and clinical tools. The key components of positive body image, such as embodiment, body appreciation, self-care, intuitive eating, social comparison, and body talk, are all covered, with reliable assessments and guidelines for applications accompanying each topic. An array of assignments are also included for clients and readers to complete based on their values, needs and interests to provide positive body image. Clinicians will appreciate the practical treatment planning sections (including talking points for sessions, goals and objectives) to assist in clinical interventions. Additionally, a specific chapter is devoted to how clinicians can prepare themselves both professionally and personally for body image work. Access to downloadable assignments available at: www.cambridge.org/PBIW




Society and the Adolescent Self-Image


Book Description

Over 5,000 high-school students of different social, religious, and national backgrounds were studied to show the effects of family experience, neighborhoods, minority groups, etc. on their self-image and response to society. Originally published in 1965. The Princeton Legacy Library uses the latest print-on-demand technology to again make available previously out-of-print books from the distinguished backlist of Princeton University Press. These editions preserve the original texts of these important books while presenting them in durable paperback and hardcover editions. The goal of the Princeton Legacy Library is to vastly increase access to the rich scholarly heritage found in the thousands of books published by Princeton University Press since its founding in 1905.




Eating Disorders: Body Image & The Media


Book Description

This report reviews the evidence of media effects on self-esteem, body image and eating disorders, and aims to raise awareness of this important public health issue, with recommendations for action by government, media and education professionals, healthcare staff and others.




Exploring the impact of social media on individuals' self-esteem and body image


Book Description

Essay from the year 2023 in the subject Communications - Public Relations, Advertising, Marketing, Social Media, grade: C, Paedagogic Institute for Psychoanalysis and Psychotherapy Hannover, language: English, abstract: Social media offers a plethora of opportunities for individuals to share their thoughts, experiences, and interests with a global audience, blurring the lines between personal and public spheres. Users can post photos, videos, status updates, and engage in real-time conversations, facilitating instant communication and fostering virtual communities. Beyond personal interactions, social media has also emerged as a powerful platform for businesses, influencers, and organizations to reach their target audiences, influencing consumer behaviors and shaping societal trends. The allure of social media lies in its promise of connectivity and belongingness, allowing users to form and maintain social relationships regardless of physical proximity. However, the pervasive nature of these platforms and the constant exposure to a stream of curated content have raised concerns about their potential impact on individuals' psychological well-being. In light of these concerns, researchers and mental health professionals have sought to understand the intricate relationship between social media usage and individuals' psychological well-being, particularly concerning self-esteem and body image. By investigating the potential effects of social media on these aspects, researchers aim to unveil the complexities of virtual interactions and their implications for mental health. This research paper aims to explore the impact of social media on individuals' self-esteem and body image, with a focus on understanding how these platforms influence self-perception, body satisfaction, and overall psychological well-being. By shedding light on this critical area of study, this research intends to provide valuable insights for individuals, parents, educators, mental health practitioners, social media platforms, and policymakers, guiding the development of strategies to promote a healthier and more positive online environment.




The Body Project


Book Description

Eating disorders are among the most prevalent psychiatric disorders in adolescent and young adult females, affecting approximately 10% of young women. Unfortunately, less than half of those with eating disorders receive treatment, which can be very expensive. Thus, effective prevention has become a major public health priority. The Body Project is an empirically based eating disorder prevention program that offers young women an opportunity to critically consider the costs of pursuing the ultra-thin ideal promoted in the mass media, which improves body acceptance and reduces risk for developing eating disorders. Young women with elevated body dissatisfaction are recruited for group sessions in which they participate in a series of verbal, written, and behavioral exercises in which they consider the negative effects of pursuing the thin-ideal. Chapters provide information on the significance of body image and eating disorders, the intervention theory, the evidence base which supports the theory, recruitment and training procedures, solutions to common challenges, and a new program aimed at reducing obesity onset, as well as intervention scripts and participant handouts. The Body Project is the only currently available eating disorder prevention program that has been shown to reduce risk for onset of eating disorders and received support in trials conducted by several independent research groups. The group sessions are brief and fun to lead, and this guide provides all of the necessary information to walk clinicians, teachers, counselors, and volunteers through leading the program for vulnerable young women.