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Impact of Appearance-Focused Media on Male Body Image

Glass, Margaret MacKenzie
http://orcid.org/0009-0002-6361-9102
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=xupsy1734366262342435

Abstract Details

2025, Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.), Xavier University, Psychology.
The primary purpose of the experiment was to examine the effects of three distinct types of TikTok content (i.e., fitspiration, body positive, and appearance-neutral content) and internalization of appearance ideals on young men’s state body appreciation and state body satisfaction (N = 270; Mage = 25.23). It was predicted that content type and appearance ideal internalization would have main effects, as well as a significant interaction, such that high internalization and exposure to fitspiration content would have the largest influence on body satisfaction and appreciation. The hypotheses were partially supported. A main effect for condition emerged for both satisfaction, F(2, 264) = 16.75, p < .001, and appreciation F(2, 264), = 14.45, p < .001. Fitspiration content resulted in significantly lower body appreciation and body satisfaction compared to both body positive and control content. Body satisfaction and appreciation did not differ between the body positive and control content groups. Contrary to predictions, muscular ideal-internalization did not exert a main effect on body satisfaction, F(1, 264) = .59, p = .44, or appreciation, F(1, 264) = 2.57, p = .110. Similarly, the predicted interaction between muscular ideal internalization and content exposure did not emerge for body satisfaction, F(2, 264) = 1.98, p = .14, or appreciation, F(2, 264) = 1.56, p =.171. Findings suggest that even brief exposure to fitspiration content can negatively impact individuals’ self-perceptions, therefore, addressing the influence of such content is essential in order to promote healthier body image and well-being among men.
Susan Kenford, Ph.D. (Committee Chair)
Kyle Stephenson, Ph.D. (Committee Member)
Jennifer Phillips, Ph.D. (Committee Member)
68 p.
Mental Health; Psychology; Technology
Fitspiration; body positive; body satisfaction; body appreciation; muscular/fit-ideal; internalization

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Glass, M. M. (2025). Impact of Appearance-Focused Media on Male Body Image [Doctoral dissertation, Xavier University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=xupsy1734366262342435

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Glass, Margaret. Impact of Appearance-Focused Media on Male Body Image. 2025. Xavier University, Doctoral dissertation. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=xupsy1734366262342435.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Glass, Margaret. "Impact of Appearance-Focused Media on Male Body Image." Doctoral dissertation, Xavier University, 2025. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=xupsy1734366262342435

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

xupsy1734366262342435
39
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This open access ETD is published by Xavier University Psychology and OhioLINK.