Exposure to Instagram content and photo manipulation behaviors may negatively impact women’s body image. However, some studies did not find support for this assumption. The current study aimed to explore this issue further. The first objective was to investigate associations between self-reported frequency of following Instagram beauty-related and body positive-related accounts and content and body image dimensions (i.e., Body Dysmorphic Disorder [BDD] symptoms, body appreciation, and body functionality appreciation). To achieve this, we controlled for the role of Instagram appearance comparison and internalization of general attractiveness ideal. As for the second objective, the influence of Instagram filter use was assessed: two groups of Instagram filter users (high-frequency and low-frequency users) and non-users were compared on dimensions of Instagram use and body image. Findings from a sample of 149 female undergraduates demonstrated that self-reported frequency of following body positive Instagram content was associated with higher levels of BDD symptoms even after controlling for appearance comparison and internalization of general attractiveness ideal. Conversely, the self-reported frequency of following beauty content was not. Moreover, positive body image dimensions were not associated with self-reported frequency of following any Instagram content. High-frequency Instagram filter users reported a higher frequency of following beauty content and higher levels of appearance comparison and internalization of general attractiveness ideal compared to non-users. However, these two groups did not differ on negative and positive body image dimensions. Finally, low-frequency Instagram filter users did not differ on any investigated dimensions from the other two groups.

Background: To date, over 1.3 billion videos with the hashtag #bodyneutrality have been viewed on TikTok. Despite this, little existing literature has unpacked how body neutrality is conceptualised on TikTok. We examined how TikTok creators construct meaning and generate discourse surrounding #bodyneutrality. Methods: Extending on previous works in the body neutrality space, we conducted a hybrid content/thematic analysis of TikTok videos in three different languages (English, Spanish, and Italian). Initially, 300 videos displaying “#bodyneutrality” were identified on TikTok. The first 178 TikTok videos were analysed, following the principles of data saturation and feasibility. Results: We developed three themes: (1) The normalisation of diverse bodies, (2) The rejection of appearance as fundamentally important, and (3) Body neutrality is (better than) body positivity. Conclusions: In line with conceptualisations of body neutrality in existing literature, some content emphasised the importance of devaluing physical appearance. Building on existing definitions, most creators also framed body neutrality as speaking to the fundamental humanness of owning a body and attempted to normalise various body shapes/sizes. Conversely, some content employed #bodyneutrality to promote or examine body positivity principles or to condemn appearance-based stigmatisation. Our study is one of the first to examine how body neutrality is understood and employed by people in the real world.

Relationship Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (ROCD) is a form of obsessive–compulsive disorder that manifests in the relationship domain, such as romantic relationships. Within romantic relationship, ROCD symptoms could be focused on flaws perceived on the relationship itself (ROCD relationship-centered) or on the partners' quality (ROCD partner-focused). These symptoms are associated with negative relationship outcomes, such as low relationship satisfaction. However, no studies have yet addressed the role of relationship quality in the context of ROCD. Furthermore, previous studies have shown the detrimental role of social media use and maximization style in obsessive–compulsive symptoms and the romantic relational domain; however, the associations with ROCD symptoms have not yet been explored. Thus, this study aimed to close this gap examining the associations between ROCD symptoms (relationship-centered and partner-focused) and relationship quality, social media addiction, and maximization style. A total of 211 participants currently involved in a romantic relationship (71.1 percent female, mean age = 30.4 ± 11.54 years) participated in the study. Multiple hierarchical regression analyses revealed that relationship quality, social media addiction, and maximization style emerged as being significantly associated with relationship-centered and partner-focused ROCD symptoms. The results highlighted potential risk factors for ROCD symptoms in romantic relationships, namely relationship quality, social media addiction, and maximization style. These psychological dimensions could be identified as possible targets in the assessment and treatment of ROCD symptoms.

Background: Snapchat dysmorphia (SD) is an emerging phenomenon that characterizes individuals seeking aesthetic procedures to replicate the appearance of their digitally altered selfies. This phenomenon has been hypothesized to be linked to body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) symptoms. Additionally, body trust (ie, perceiving the body as safe and trustworthy, relying on its signals and sensations), which could contrast excessive focus on physical appearance, may moderate this relationship. Current literature on SD reveals a notable lack of comprehensive empirical investigations. Objectives: In this study, the authors examine the factorial structure and internal consistency of a newly developed measure: the SD Questionnaire (SDQ). Additionally, it explored the relationship between SD and BDD symptoms, with a focus on the potential moderating role of body trust. Methods: Data were collected from a sample of 163 women seeking aesthetic medicine treatments. The factorial structure and internal consistency of the SDQ were examined. Its association with BDD symptoms was explored within a hierarchical regression model, after controlling for other variables (eg, motivations to pursue cosmetic procedures). Finally, the potential moderating role of body trust was tested. Results: Findings supported a unidimensional factor structure for the SDQ, which also demonstrated a significant association with BDD symptoms. Body trust did not moderate this relationship. Conclusions: Findings provide preliminary support for the validity of the SDQ in women seeking aesthetic medicine procedures and lend empirical weight to anecdotal claims that SD is distinct yet related to BDD. Finally, although body trust was negatively associated with BDD symptoms, it did not show a moderation effect. Level of Evidence: 4 (Diagnostic):