Investigating Body Image, Eating Attitudes, and Social Media Usage in College Students in Ireland

Quinn, Carla (2022) Investigating Body Image, Eating Attitudes, and Social Media Usage in College Students in Ireland. Undergraduate thesis, Dublin, National College of Ireland.

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Abstract

The current study explored the relationship between social media engagement, body image, and eating attitudes across participants aged 18 years and above in Ireland while examining the potential gender differences. Specifically to address whether social media usage has affected eating attitudes and body image. There is a lack of research examining body image, eating attitudes and social media in Ireland during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. A total of 92 participants completed an online survey shared across social media platforms that measured their level of social media engagement, current body image states and eating attitudes. Findings from hierarchical regressions show that increased social media use results in higher body dissatisfaction and increased eating disorder risk. Results from t-tests indicated no significant gender differences. The findings add to the growing evidence that social media use is associated with adverse outcomes for body image and eating behaviours. This study discusses the implications and recommended practices for assessing and investigating body image, eating attitudes, and social media engagement while adding to the literature to further understand such concepts that are constantly changing and adapting as technology advances and social media engagement increases.

Item Type:	Thesis (Undergraduate)
Subjects:	L Education > LB Theory and practice of education > LB2300 Higher Education B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > Psychology > Body image D History General and Old World > DA Great Britain > Ireland Z Bibliography. Library Science. Information Resources > ZA Information resources > ZA4150 Computer Network Resources > The Internet > World Wide Web > Websites > Online social networks T Technology > TK Electrical engineering. Electronics. Nuclear engineering > Telecommunications > The Internet > World Wide Web > Websites > Online social networks
Divisions:	School of Business > BA (Honours) in Psychology
Depositing User:	Clara Chan
Date Deposited:	21 Jul 2022 09:34
Last Modified:	21 Jul 2022 09:34
URI:	https://norma.ncirl.ie/id/eprint/5678

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