Investigating the role of instagram on psychological outcomes through the mediating role of body image formation and self-objectification in women of today's society
Subject Areas : Woman and Society
Aniss Rezaee
1
,
Sajad Nourmohammadi
2
1 -
2 - Secretary of Education in Kermanshah Province
Keywords: Instagram, body image, self-objectification, anxiety, depression, women,
Abstract :
Introduction: Negative body image among young women has significantly increased, leading to both psychological and physical problems. This study aimed to examine the role of Instagram in shaping body image and self-objectification among women.
Methods: The descriptive-analytical study was conducted on women aged 18 to 35 using standardized questionnaires.
Results: Instagram use was found to have a direct and significant impact on body image (beta coefficient = 45%). Additionally, Instagram use explained a significant portion of self-objectification (beta coefficient = 40%). It also significantly accounted for the variance in anxiety (beta coefficient = 35%), depression (beta coefficient = 30%), and eating disorders by 25%. Overall, the structural equation model indicates that Instagram usage has wide-ranging effects on psychological and physical variables. These effects are not only direct but also indirect. Conclusion: Instagram use can significantly influence body image, self-objectification, anxiety, depression, and eating disorders. The widespread use of Instagram brings significant direct and indirect impacts on body image, self-objectification, anxiety, depression, and eating disorders, with these effects manifesting not only in psychological aspects but also in physical ones.
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