Motivations for Social Media Use and Body Dissatisfaction among Latinx Undergraduate Students

• In Event: AERA Poster Session Saturday 9:45 am
  In Poster Session: Counseling Poster Session B

Abstract

This study examined the degree to which four types of motivation for social media use predicted body dissatisfaction among Latinx college students. Participants were undergraduates at a Hispanic-serving institution in the southern U.S. (n = 195). We hypothesized that participants who were motivated to use social media for appearance-related purposes and to gain popularity would experience greater body dissatisfaction. Indeed, appearance and popularity-related motivations for social media use significantly predicted greater body dissatisfaction after accounting for loneliness and low self-esteem. Unexpectedly, the seemingly adaptive motivations for social media engagement—connection and pursuing interests—also positively predicted body dissatisfaction. Results may inform college counseling services in assisting Latinx college students struggling with their body image.

Authors

• Alex Soto, University of Houston-Downtown

• Alejandra Alvarado, University of Houston-Downtown

• Danya Marie Serrano, Allan Hancock College