Hot or Not? The Effects of Fitspiration Images on Body Dysmorphic Concerns

<p>Despite positive intentions, research suggests that fitspiration causes a multitude of negative effects on body image. This study will expand on previous work by examining the effects of fitspiration on body dysmorphic concerns, appearance-based rejection sensitivity (appearance-RS), and intentions to exercise, as well as the differences in these effects by sex. The first hypothesis is that participants will report more body dysmorphic concerns and appearance-RS following exposure to fitspiration compared to travel images. Second, it was hypothesized that compared to males, females will be more prone to the negative impact that fitspiration images have on body dysmorphic concerns and appearance-RS. Third, it was hypothesized that participants will report higher intentions to exercise following exposure to fitspiration compared to travel images. Lastly, it was hypothesized that exposure to fitspiration images will be associated with higher levels of intentions to exercise for males compared to females. Participants were randomly assigned to view fitspiration images or travel images. Following exposure, all participants completed a series of self-report measures to assess appearance-RS, exercise intentions, dysmorphic concerns, and demographics. Results indicate that exposure to fitspiration images may increase consumers’ perceived intention to engage in aerobic and strength training, regardless of sex. Neither males nor female’s state-level dysmorphic concern or appearance-RS varied with exposure to fitspiration.</p>

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Arts - Psychology

Level thesis:degree_level

Thesis

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Psychology

Year dc:date.available

2021

Author dc:creator

• Ramsey, Kayla

Contributors dc:contributor

• Sarah Savoy
• Lauren Brewer
• Catherine Pearte

• Body Dysmorphic Concern
• Body Dysmorphic Disorder
• Body Image
• Appearance-Based Rejection Sensitivity
• Exercise Intentions
• Intentions to Exercise
• Clinical Psychology
• Psychology
• Social Psychology

Repository record dc:identifier

https://scholarworks.sfasu.edu/etds/418

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:scholarworks.sfasu.edu:etds-1436