The differential impact of viewing fitspiration and thinspiration images on men's body image concerns: An experimental ecological momentary assessment study. (December 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Yee, Zhi Wei; Griffiths, Scott; Fuller-Tyszkiewicz, Matthew; Blake, Khandis; Richardson, Ben; Krug, Isabel
• Is Part Of: Body image. Volume 35(2020)
• Page Start: 96
• Page End: 107
• Publication Date: 2020-12
• Subjects: Fitspiration -- Thinspiration -- Ecological momentary assessment -- Men -- Body dissatisfaction; Body image -- Periodicals; Body image -- Research -- Periodicals; Body Image -- Periodicals; 306.4613
• DOI: 10.1016/j.bodyim.2020.08.008
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1740-1445

Abstract

Highlights: Fit- and thinspiration images led to lower mood and greater urges to increase muscularity. Only fitspiration images increased urges to reduce body fat. Thinspiration images reduced body dissatisfaction. Trait muscularity dissatisfaction and appearance comparison moderated the effects of fitspiration images. Trait body fat dissatisfaction and appearance comparison moderated the effects of thinspiration images. Implementing social media literacy programmes for fitspiration images is essential. Abstract: To date, little is known about the impact of fitspiration and thinspiration exposure on men, as previous studies on these social media trends were primarily conducted on women. Male participants ( n = 223) completed baseline measures of trait body image, then used a smartphone application to complete up to six state-based assessments daily for seven days. In each assessment, participants were randomly assigned to one of three image conditions (fitspiration, thinspiration, or neutral). Before and after viewing each image, they reported state body fat dissatisfaction, muscularity dissatisfaction, negative mood, and urge to engage in behaviours to reduce body fat and increase muscularity. Multi-level analyses revealed that compared to viewing neutral images, viewing fitspiration images increased men's body dissatisfaction, whereas viewing thinspiration images decreased body dissatisfaction. Viewing either fit- or thinspiration images also led to lower mood and greater urges to increase muscularity, whereas only fitspiration images increased urges to reduce body fat. Men with greater baseline muscularity dissatisfaction and higher appearance comparison were most vulnerable to muscularity dissatisfaction after viewing fitspiration images. Findings suggest the importance of limiting exposure to fitspiration imagery and implementing social media literacy programmes for men and well as women.