Date of Award

8-2024

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy

Department

Psychology

First Advisor

Mary Z. Anderson, Ph.D.

Second Advisor

Olivia T. Ngadjui, Ph.D.

Third Advisor

Ilana Nash, Ph.D.

Abstract

Within U.S. culture, girls and women of all ages are subject to experiencing body dissatisfaction. This dissatisfaction often results from direct comparison of one’s body to others, often via media depictions. Viewing these images prompts women of all cultures to engage in social comparison and learn to view themselves through an observer’s perspective. The advent of contemporary social media has increased the accessibility of images of others and, subsequently, social comparison of one’s body to others. Research has noted that women of all racial backgrounds utilize social media and experience varying degrees of satisfaction and dissatisfaction with their bodies. Despite this, Black American women have largely been left out of the literature examining factors contributing to body dissatisfaction and its relationship to social media. Therefore, the present study examined how social media activity, specifically Instagram, contributes to body dissatisfaction, body surveillance, social comparison, self-objectification, and attitudes toward cosmetic surgery among Black female college students. The study sample consisted of 190 Black female college students, ranging in age from 18 to 34, recruited via social media and via two mid-size universities located in the Midwest. The study was quantitative and quasi-experimental in design. Results of the study indicated that Black female college students who spent greater time on Instagram did not report differing degrees of body satisfaction than those who spent less time on the app. Additionally, those Black female college students who were exposed to body-oriented imagery did not engage in more social comparison and self-objectification nor endorse more positive attitudes towards cosmetic surgery.

Access Setting

Dissertation-Open Access

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