Work

Selfies and body dissatisfaction: Using the tripartite influence model to examine adolescents over time

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Selfies are frequently used among adolescents. Yet little is known about how selfies relate to body dissatisfaction over time and the mechanisms involved. The present study examined the longitudinal relationships between selfies (i.e. taking, manipulating, investing in and posting) and body dissatisfaction via sociocultural mediators; thin-ideal internalisation and comparisons. Adolescents ( N = 573; M age = 15.38, SD = 1.34; 68.2% female) completed online surveys twice over 4 months. A cross-lagged mediation model demonstrated unidirectional relationships, whereby body dissatisfaction predicted higher investment and lower posting 4 months later. Mediation was only found via one pathway; body dissatisfaction predicted greater selfie investment via upward comparisons. Gender did not moderate the relationships. These findings provide little support for sociocultural mechanisms, suggesting researchers pursue alternative frameworks.

Source: New Media & Society

DOI: 10.1177/14614448251371022

Authors: Hannah K Jarman, Ann Rousseau

Institutions: Deakin University, KU Leuven

Language: English

Topic: Eating Disorders and Behaviors

Subfield: Clinical Psychology

Field: Psychology

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,900