ISSN: 2578-5001
Authors: George C and Sahu PS*
A person's experience with body image can be influenced by environment or culture. Exposure to the thin-ideal is likely to decrease body image in women through social comparison; there is the anticipation of a negative public health impact. Recently published (between 2011 to 2021) study reports including mainly randomized controlled trials, clinical trials, and ecological momentary assessments on English-speaking female subjects were reviewed. Analysis of the eligible studies evaluated the consequences of social comparison concerning social media, disordered eating, and cognitive processing. Quantitative and qualitative analyses were conducted with the majority of findings found to have statistically significant data in support of the following: (i) social media platforms provide space for the consumption of unattainable beauty standards based on thinideal imagery, (ii) the internalization of the thin-ideal leads to the development of body dissatisfaction, which is a predictor of disordered eating behaviors, (iii) cognitive coping mechanisms are used as protection against the harmful effects that come from social comparison. A concerted effort should be made by eating disorder prevention programs to lessen the cognitive response to thin-ideal stimuli, thereby decreasing body dissatisfaction and reducing the risk of development of disordered eating behaviors in women
Keywords: Body Image; Thin-Ideal, Social Comparison; Body Dissatisfaction; Disordered Eating; Self-Disclaimer; Media Engagement; Social Media
