Body ImagePub Date : 2025-12-01Epub Date: 2025-10-28DOI: 10.1016/j.bodyim.2025.101991
Yu Zhang , Sihan Xiong , Nisha Yao , Jing Chen
{"title":"Social media and body image in young women: A meta-analysis of experimental studies on video- versus image-based platforms","authors":"Yu Zhang , Sihan Xiong , Nisha Yao , Jing Chen","doi":"10.1016/j.bodyim.2025.101991","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.bodyim.2025.101991","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Social media exposes young women to body-related content that can influence how they perceive their bodies. Given its broad influence, understanding when and how such exposure harms or improves body image is essential for supporting mental health. This meta-analysis synthesized experimental evidence to examine the causal effects of two types of content: body-ideal content promoting beauty standards and body-positive content encouraging acceptance. We also tested whether platform modality (image-based platforms such as Instagram vs. video-based platforms such as TikTok) moderated these effects. The analysis included 20 experimental studies involving 3603 young female participants. Exposure to body-positive content significantly improved body satisfaction (Cohen’s <em>d</em> = 0.20, <em>p</em> < .001), whereas exposure to body-ideal content significantly decreased it (Cohen’s <em>d</em> = −0.29, <em>p</em> < .001). Notably, video-based platforms intensified the negative effect: TikTok body-ideal content produced larger declines (<em>d</em> = −0.45) than Instagram image body-ideal content (<em>d</em> = −0.25). For body-positive content, effect sizes were similar across platforms (<em>d</em> = 0.21 vs. <em>d</em> = 0.20), although the number of available studies was limited. These findings provide causal evidence for the effects of social media exposure on body image and highlight platform modality as an important moderator. Body-positive content appears promising for digital interventions to promote body satisfaction, while the particularly harmful impact of body-ideal videos underscores the need to reduce exposure to such content in video-based environments.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48312,"journal":{"name":"Body Image","volume":"55 ","pages":"Article 101991"},"PeriodicalIF":5.4,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145402556","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"心理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Body ImagePub Date : 2025-12-01Epub Date: 2025-11-20DOI: 10.1016/j.bodyim.2025.102001
Camilla Matera , Elena Fornaini , Chiara Rollero , Anna Rosa Donizzetti , Daniela Caso , Caterina Grano , Anna Enrica Tosti , Amanda Nerini
{"title":"The 7-day compassion diary: Evaluating a brief compassion flows training on body appreciation and cosmetic surgery interest","authors":"Camilla Matera , Elena Fornaini , Chiara Rollero , Anna Rosa Donizzetti , Daniela Caso , Caterina Grano , Anna Enrica Tosti , Amanda Nerini","doi":"10.1016/j.bodyim.2025.102001","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.bodyim.2025.102001","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study examined the effects of a brief compassion training to promote body appreciation and reduce interest in cosmetic surgery among young adults. Reflecting the relational nature of compassion, the intervention targeted its three flows, namely the three directions in which compassion can be expressed: from self to others (compassion for others), from others to self (compassion from others), and towards the self (self-compassion). Participants joined a 7-day online study and were randomly assigned to one of three compassion-based writing tasks (self-compassion, compassion from others, compassion for others) or a control condition. Pre- and post-tests measured compassion abilities, body appreciation, and interest in cosmetic surgery. A total of 436 participants completed all tasks and the post-test. After evaluating task-adherence, the final sample included 153 men (M age = 21.29) and 188 women (M age = 20.45). Participants in the three compassion conditions showed increased body appreciation from pre-test to post-test compared to those in the control group. Compassion for others was effective in reducing the desire for cosmetic procedures, especially for women; it also decreased interest in cosmetic surgery for social reasons across genders. In contrast, men in the compassion from others condition showed a slight increase in consideration of cosmetic surgery after completing the writing tasks. This is the first study investigating the impact of a brief compassion training targeting the three flows of compassion, highlighting their relevance for positive body image and the potential of compassion to others in reducing interest in cosmetic surgery.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48312,"journal":{"name":"Body Image","volume":"55 ","pages":"Article 102001"},"PeriodicalIF":5.4,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145568219","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"心理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Body ImagePub Date : 2025-12-01Epub Date: 2025-11-13DOI: 10.1016/j.bodyim.2025.101998
Madeleine Rhodes , Caitlin Milne , Mia L. Pellizzer , Ivanka Prichard
{"title":"A systematic review of social and interpersonal factors associated with perinatal body image and eating concerns","authors":"Madeleine Rhodes , Caitlin Milne , Mia L. Pellizzer , Ivanka Prichard","doi":"10.1016/j.bodyim.2025.101998","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.bodyim.2025.101998","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Disordered eating behaviours and cognitions among pregnant and postpartum women are prevalent public health concerns which can adversely impact mothers, infants and families. While such issues are often linked with the sociocultural environment and interpersonal relationships, these factors are under-researched. The aim of this mixed-methods review was to identify social and interpersonal factors that may protect against or increase the risk of perinatal disordered eating and body image concerns. Following PRISMA reporting guidelines, a systematic search was conducted across MEDLINE, PsycINFO, ProQuest, Scopus, and CINAHL. Two independent reviewers screened articles and extracted data. Results were narratively synthesised. Thirty-six qualitative and quantitative studies were identified. Different sources (partners, friends, healthcare professionals) and dimensions (instrumental, informational, emotional) of social support were protective against symptoms. However, nuances emerged for women with an eating disorder history. Interpersonal abuse, appearance-related commentary and sociocultural pressure were factors associated with increased risk of symptoms. The findings highlight social and interpersonal factors which may perpetuate or mitigate perinatal eating and body image concerns in direct and indirect ways, thus providing insights for clinicians and families. In this way, the onus is shifted away from women, who are already tasked with adapting to the radical changes of entering motherhood, to partners and important others within their sociocultural environment who are well-placed to provide support.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48312,"journal":{"name":"Body Image","volume":"55 ","pages":"Article 101998"},"PeriodicalIF":5.4,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145520130","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"心理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Body ImagePub Date : 2025-12-01Epub Date: 2025-08-31DOI: 10.1016/j.bodyim.2025.101955
Debora Blaso , Nicole Paraskeva , Paul White , Helena Lewis-Smith
{"title":"The impact of fashion clothing involvement and self-objectification on women’s mental health: A cross-sectional study among Brazilian women","authors":"Debora Blaso , Nicole Paraskeva , Paul White , Helena Lewis-Smith","doi":"10.1016/j.bodyim.2025.101955","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.bodyim.2025.101955","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Brazilian women experience a high level of appearance pressures, which are associated with risky health behaviours and adverse outcomes. Yet, the involvement with fashion clothing, a central aspect of appearance-related practices, has not undergone exploration among Brazilian women. This evokes concern, due to the popularity of image consulting interventions (providing advice on clothing, style, and colour coordination), which could be potentially harmful, given the current lack of understanding regarding the impact of fashion clothing involvement on body image and mental health. Therefore, the present study aimed to explore these associations, whereby 710 Brazilian women (M age = 34.20, SD= 8.70) completed measures of fashion clothing involvement, self-objectification, body shame, disordered eating attitudes, self-esteem and acceptance of cosmetic surgery. Bivariate correlations revealed associations between higher fashion clothing involvement and higher self-objectification, higher acceptance of cosmetic surgery and higher self-esteem. Partial correlations, controlling for self-objectification, revealed higher fashion clothing involvement to be associated with higher self-esteem, lower body shame and lower disordered eating attitudes. Confounding testing suggested that the fashion clothing involvement negative associations may be partially explained by self-objectification. Overall, findings suggest that fashion clothing involvement may be positively or negatively associated with Brazilian women’s mental health, highlighting the need for future research to further elucidate this complex relationship.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48312,"journal":{"name":"Body Image","volume":"55 ","pages":"Article 101955"},"PeriodicalIF":5.4,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144920060","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"心理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Body ImagePub Date : 2025-12-01Epub Date: 2025-10-04DOI: 10.1016/j.bodyim.2025.101975
Joel Bates , Nadia Maalin , Tracey Thornborrow
{"title":"Aspects of body image as moderators and mediators in the relationship between minority stress and depression among diverse LGBTQIA+ identities","authors":"Joel Bates , Nadia Maalin , Tracey Thornborrow","doi":"10.1016/j.bodyim.2025.101975","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.bodyim.2025.101975","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>LGBTQIA+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning, Intersex, Asexual, plus) individuals are at higher risk of adverse mental health outcomes than cisgender heterosexual (cishet) individuals due to experiences of minority stress. In the current study, we compared levels of appearance anxiety, depressive symptoms, body appreciation and self-esteem among LGBTQIA+ and cishet individuals. Further, among LGBTQIA+ individuals, we tested a hybrid theoretical model to examine the protective effects of body appreciation and self-esteem in the relationships between minority stress, appearance anxiety, and depression. A total of 581 participants (aged 16–65) completed demographic and psychometric measures, including the Minority Stress Measure, Body Appreciation Scale-2, Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, Physical Appearance State and Trait Anxiety Scale, and Beck Depression Inventory, via an online survey. Results confirmed that LGBTQIA+ individuals had poorer mental health outcomes than cishet participants, characterised by higher levels of depressive symptoms and appearance anxiety, and lower body appreciation and self-esteem. Further, our hybrid model showed that LGBTQIA+ individuals with lower body appreciation and self-esteem were particularly vulnerable to appearance anxiety and depression related to minority stress, whilst body appreciation reduced the impact of minority stress on depression. These findings may inform potential directions for interventions targeted towards LGBTQIA+ populations.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48312,"journal":{"name":"Body Image","volume":"55 ","pages":"Article 101975"},"PeriodicalIF":5.4,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145233789","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"心理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Body ImagePub Date : 2025-12-01Epub Date: 2025-09-17DOI: 10.1016/j.bodyim.2025.101968
Wenn Lynn Ooi , Helen Nasser , Julian Simmons , Isabel Krug
{"title":"Corrigendum to “A systematic review and meta-analysis on the temporal relationship between appearance comparisons and body dissatisfaction: Body image 53 (2025) 101885”","authors":"Wenn Lynn Ooi , Helen Nasser , Julian Simmons , Isabel Krug","doi":"10.1016/j.bodyim.2025.101968","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.bodyim.2025.101968","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":48312,"journal":{"name":"Body Image","volume":"55 ","pages":"Article 101968"},"PeriodicalIF":5.4,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145082084","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"心理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Body ImagePub Date : 2025-12-01Epub Date: 2025-10-13DOI: 10.1016/j.bodyim.2025.101976
Christy K. Ahn , Jason M. Nagata , Rachel F. Rodgers , Alexander Testa , Kyle T. Ganson
{"title":"Associations between sexting behaviours and muscle dysmorphia symptomatology among a Canadian sample of young adults","authors":"Christy K. Ahn , Jason M. Nagata , Rachel F. Rodgers , Alexander Testa , Kyle T. Ganson","doi":"10.1016/j.bodyim.2025.101976","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.bodyim.2025.101976","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Sexting is increasingly prevalent among young adults and has been linked to body dissatisfaction and disordered eating. However, its relationship with muscle dysmorphia symptoms remains unexplored. This study investigates the association between sexting behaviours and muscle dysmorphia symptomatology in a Canadian sample of young adults aged 18–30 (<em>N</em> = 878). Participants reported their sexting activities over the past 12 months and completed the Muscle Dysmorphic Disorder Inventory (MDDI) to assess muscle dysmorphia symptomatology. Multiple linear regression analyses revealed significant associations between receiving unsolicited photo and video sexts and greater overall muscle dysmorphia symptomatology. Sending photo sexts was also associated with greater total muscle dysmorphia symptoms, Drive for Size, and Functional Impairment. Sending video sexts, however, was associated with greater Drive for Size subscale scores only. Asking for photo sexts was associated with greater total muscle dysmorphia symptoms and Drive for Size, while asking for video sexts did not show any significant associations. None of the sexting behaviours studied were significantly associated with the Appearance Intolerance subscale. These findings suggest that sexting may be associated with muscularity-related body image concerns among young adults, potentially through sociocultural processes prevalent in digital contexts, such as exposure to idealized body norms, appearance-based social comparisons, and the pursuit of external validation via image-based body portrayals. This study contributes to the growing literature on the relationships between online engagement and body image, emphasizing the need for future research and targeted interventions to address the unique societal experiences of young adults in an increasingly technological world.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48312,"journal":{"name":"Body Image","volume":"55 ","pages":"Article 101976"},"PeriodicalIF":5.4,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145294067","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"心理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Body ImagePub Date : 2025-12-01Epub Date: 2025-11-04DOI: 10.1016/j.bodyim.2025.101992
Wenn Lynn Ooi , Matthew Fuller-Tyszkiewicz , Julian Simmons , Isabel Krug
{"title":"Body comparisons are bidirectionally linked with body dissatisfaction but not disordered eating urges","authors":"Wenn Lynn Ooi , Matthew Fuller-Tyszkiewicz , Julian Simmons , Isabel Krug","doi":"10.1016/j.bodyim.2025.101992","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.bodyim.2025.101992","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>We assessed the bidirectional relationship between body comparisons (BC) with body dissatisfaction (BD) and disordered eating (DE) urges in daily life. A secondary aim was to assess whether these effects were moderated by BC context (e.g., in person, social media, traditional media) and gender. Undergraduate men and women (<em>n</em> = 521, 76.0 % female-identifying) completed baseline measures and a 7-day ecological momentary assessment (EMA) reporting BC (frequency, direction and context), BD levels, and DE urges including food restriction, exercising and overeating. Data (collected 2020 – 2022) were statistically controlled for potential COVID lockdown effects. Multilevel analyses revealed a bidirectional relationship between upward BC and BD, suggesting a reinforcing cycle. Downward BC predicted a decrease in BD, but during moments of heightened state BD, individuals were less likely to engage in downward BC. Urge to engage in compensatory exercise significantly predicted subsequent engagement in upward BC, but none of the remaining relationships between BC and DE urges were significant, suggesting other factors may play a more central role in these relationships. The effect of upward BC on BD were more pronounced in person and via other contexts than on social media, potentially due to increased awareness of digital image manipulation. Gender did not moderate these relationships, highlighting shared psychological processes across men and women. These findings underscore the context-dependent nature of BC in body image concerns. Future research could investigate whether strategies developed to promote media literacy on social media can be adapted to help individuals manage in-person or other real-world comparisons.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48312,"journal":{"name":"Body Image","volume":"55 ","pages":"Article 101992"},"PeriodicalIF":5.4,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145453646","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"心理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Body ImagePub Date : 2025-09-01Epub Date: 2025-06-23DOI: 10.1016/j.bodyim.2025.101929
Gemma Sharp , Isabella McGrath
{"title":"Genital body image: A brief review and future directions","authors":"Gemma Sharp , Isabella McGrath","doi":"10.1016/j.bodyim.2025.101929","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.bodyim.2025.101929","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Genital body image or genital self-image encompasses an individual’s attitudes, feelings, and behaviours surrounding their own genitals. Despite the crucial importance of genitals in propagating the human species, genital body image remains a highly understudied concept in broader body image research. Nevertheless, the existing literature suggests a sizeable percentage of people across the gender spectrum experience dissatisfaction with their genital size, shape and/or form. This paper provides a brief summary of the existing genital body image research, focusing on sociocultural factors of influence such as media representations of genital ideals and peer and partner commentaries on genitals, as well as the impacts of genital body image concerns such as poorer sexual and psychological well-being and consideration of cosmetic genital procedures and surgeries. This paper additionally discusses current educational interventions and programs which aim to promote a positive genital body image. The paper also identifies gaps in current research and important suggestions for future research including greater inclusivity of gender, sexual orientation and ethnic diversity, given often radically different perspectives on genital body image, as well as recognition of the rapidly changing landscape of genital representations in media such as amateur pornography and pornographic content on OnlyFans. The paper concludes with recommendations for the inclusion of genital body image content in existing body image programs and other genital body image intervention needs. We hope that this discussion results in greater recognition of the concept of genital body image and prompts the establishment of new collaborations and initiatives.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48312,"journal":{"name":"Body Image","volume":"54 ","pages":"Article 101929"},"PeriodicalIF":5.2,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144338273","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"心理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Body ImagePub Date : 2025-09-01Epub Date: 2025-08-06DOI: 10.1016/j.bodyim.2025.101948
Kristen Murray , Alex McGregor , Ruozhou Jin , Fiona Xu , Liana Leach
{"title":"Body appreciation at work: Examining indirect effects in the relationship between job demands, job resources, and workplace well-being","authors":"Kristen Murray , Alex McGregor , Ruozhou Jin , Fiona Xu , Liana Leach","doi":"10.1016/j.bodyim.2025.101948","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.bodyim.2025.101948","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Psychosocial conditions at work play a key role in physical and mental health. Despite evidence of a relationship with these conditions and their outcomes, body image has been largely absent from workplace well-being research. The current study drew from the Job Demands-Resources Model to address this gap by conceptualising body appreciation, a component of positive body image, as a personal resource connecting focal job demands and job resources with workplace well-being. A total of <em>N</em> = 402 working adults aged 20–65 years (49 % Women) from the United Kingdom were recruited via Prolific to complete an online cross-sectional survey. Greater emotional demands and lower manager support were associated with lower body appreciation which, in turn, was associated with greater burnout, and poorer work engagement and job satisfaction. No gender differences were observed in these relationships, nor associations between quantitative or cognitive demands, or colleague support, and body appreciation. The study underlines the need for a greater focus on body image in employee well-being. Future research would benefit from prospective designs accounting for the complex interrelationships between a range of body image indicators, body-related demands and resources, and influences at the team and organisational-level.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48312,"journal":{"name":"Body Image","volume":"54 ","pages":"Article 101948"},"PeriodicalIF":5.4,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144780459","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"心理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}