Journal article
The effect of Instagram #fitspiration images on young women’s mood, body image, and exercise behaviour
Body Image, Vol.33, pp.1-6
2020
Abstract
The present study experimentally examined the effects of viewing Instagram images of fitspiration on body dissatisfaction, mood, and exercise behaviour among young women. Further, the study investigated if exercise engagement following exposure to fitspiration images could mitigate any negative effects from image exposure. Participants were 108 women, aged 17-25 years, who were randomly assigned to a 2 (image type: fitspiration, travel inspiration) × 2 (activity type: exercise, quiet rest) between groups design. State body dissatisfaction and mood were assessed at baseline, following image exposure, and following participation in 10 min of walking or quiet rest. Results demonstrated that exposure to fitspiration images led to significantly higher negative mood and body dissatisfaction relative to exposure to travel images. There was no difference in actual exercise behaviour according to image type. However, participants who exercised following exposure to fitspiration images were significantly more likely to report higher subjective exertion ratings. Overall, negative mood and body dissatisfaction decreased after both exercise and quiet rest, with no additional benefit of exercise for the fitspiration condition. These findings provide further evidence highlighting fitspiration as a potentially harmful online trend.
Details
- Title
- The effect of Instagram #fitspiration images on young women’s mood, body image, and exercise behaviour
- Authors
- Ivanka Prichard (Author) - Flinders UniversityEliza Kavanagh (Author) - Flinders UniversityKate Mulgrew (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast - School of Social SciencesMegan S C Lim (Author) - Monash UniversityMarika Tiggemann (Author) - Flinders University
- Publication details
- Body Image, Vol.33, pp.1-6
- Publisher
- Elsevier BV
- Date published
- 2020
- DOI
- 10.1016/j.bodyim.2020.02.002
- ISSN
- 1740-1445
- Organisation Unit
- School of Social Sciences - Legacy; University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; Cancer Research Cluster; School of Health - Psychology; School of Health and Behavioural Sciences - Legacy
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 99450951702621
- Output Type
- Journal article
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- Collaboration types
- Domestic collaboration
- Web Of Science research areas
- Psychiatry
- Psychology, Clinical
- Psychology, Multidisciplinary
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Source: InCites