Influence of social networking site use on body image disturbances among young women in China

Authors

  • Wei Wang

    College of Teacher Education, China West University

  • Shuaiyu Chen

    Center for Cognition and Brain Disorders, Hangzhou Normal University

  • Yuanyan Hu

    Laboratory of Emotion and Mental Health, Chongqing University of Arts and Sciences

DOI:
https://doi.org/10.2224/sbp.13451
Keywords:
social networking sites, upward social comparison, body image, body dissatisfaction
Abstract

Young adult women in China are at high risk of body image disturbances and are among the most frequent users of social networking sites (SNS). We investigated the association between SNS use and body image disturbances in this group, as well as the mediating effect of upward social comparison. We recruited 511 women to complete questionnaires on SNS use, upward social comparison, and body dissatisfaction. Results indicated that SNS use was significantly and positively associated with upward social comparison and body dissatisfaction among young women in China, and upward social comparison mediated this association. Findings from the current study provide new evidence for the tripartite influence model of body image and indicate that SNS use is a risk factor for body image disturbances.

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Published
2024-09-04
Issue
Vol. 52 No. 9 (2024)
Section
Articles
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