Me, My Selfie, and I: The Relations Between Selfie Behaviors, Body Image, Self-Objectification, and Self-Esteem in Young Women

Jolanda Veldhuis*, Jessica M. Alleva, Anna J. D. (Nadia) Bij de Vaate, Micha Keijer, Elly A. Konijn

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

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Abstract

Due to the enormous popularity of social networking sites (SNSs), online and offline social lives seem inextricably linked, which raises concerns for how SNS use relates to psychological health. Similarly, the omnipresence of selfies on SNSs-a form of appearance-related exposure-raises concerns regarding psychological health. This study aimed to investigate the relationships between body image, self-objectification, self-esteem, and various selfie behaviors among young women (N = 179). We hypothesized that a worsened body image (i.e., higher body dissatisfaction or lower body appreciation), higher levels of self-objectification, and lower self-esteem would precede greater engagement in selfie behaviors. Structural equation modeling showed that body appreciation is associated with greater engagement in selfie selection and deliberate posting, and that self-objectification is related to greater engagement in all selfie behaviors assessed. In support of our proposed model, a reversed model was also tested that showed poorer results. These findings suggest that body image may serve not only as an outcome of SNS use but also as a motive preceding selfie behaviors.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)3-13
Number of pages11
JournalPsychology of Popular Media
Volume9
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Jan 2020

Keywords

  • selfies
  • body image
  • self-objectification
  • self-esteem
  • online self-presentation
  • APPRECIATION SCALE-2
  • EMERGING ADULTHOOD
  • ADOLESCENT GIRLS
  • MEDIA
  • FACEBOOK
  • IDEAL
  • SATISFACTION
  • DISSATISFACTION
  • CONSCIOUSNESS
  • ASSOCIATIONS

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