Key Research
Self-Reported Total Screen Time and Viewing Modes Are Associated with Body Dissatisfaction, Disordered Eating, and Cosmetic Surgery Intentions among Young Adults
Key Takeaways:
- All types of screen use affects viewers’ body image.
- Viewing on handheld devices affects women’s body image more than men’s.
LiveMore ScreenLess’ Summary:
While numerous studies have shown that media exposure is linked to body dissatisfaction and disordered eating behavior, limited research has examined these associations by screen-viewing mode. Handheld viewing was associated with body dissatisfaction for women only, and online viewing was associated with greater body dissatisfaction among both men and women.
Our results suggest that different viewing modes may be differently associated with men and women’s body image, disordered eating behavior, and cosmetic surgery intention. Future research should consider all modes of screen-viewing in our media environment.
Tang L, Rifas-Shiman SL, Field AE, Austin SB, Haines J. Self-Reported Total Screen Time and Viewing Modes Are Associated with Body Dissatisfaction, Disordered Eating, and Cosmetic Surgery Intentions among Young Adults. Nutrients. 2022 May 12;14(10):2027.
Topics: Body Image , Mental Health , Physical Health
Year: 2022
Hosting University:
Participants: 3,466 men and 7,300 women, aged 19 to 34 years
Data Collection: self-reported their screen-time
