Selfie Behaviours and Body Image Concerns: A Systematic Literature Review and Future Research Directions

Abstract

Body image concerns are a widely recognised and important health issue. Of particular concern is the potential association between selfie behaviours and body image, given the increasing focus on physical appearance in selfies and the tendency of individuals to portray an idealised version of themselves. To date, several reviews have provided valuable insights into selfie behaviours and their relationship with body image. However, they have certain limitations in terms of methodology, with studies tending to narrowly focus on a specific age group, gender, or topic. To address these limitations, a systematic review was conducted, comprising a total of 37 Web of Science (WoS) articles from 20 peer-reviewed journals across a range of disciplines, including psychology, marketing, and media studies. This study was conducted following the Scientific Procedures and Rationales for Systematic Reviews (SPAR-4-SLR) protocol and guided by the Theory-Context-Characteristics-Methodology (TCCM) frameworks to provide insights into the selfie behaviours within the body image literature. Further, the study introduced an integrated conceptual framework that identifies the independent, mediating, moderating, and dependent variables of the phenomenon examined in this review. Thus, the current review identifies certain overlooked areas that require further investigation and have the potential to significantly advance this field of study. This study has also significant implications for public policy and government strategies, which may be relevant to policymakers, practitioners, and individuals in assessing the impact of selfie behaviours on body image, particularly within the context of the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-being).