Instagram engagement and well-being: the mediating role of appearance anxiety.
Saved in:
| Title: | Instagram engagement and well-being: the mediating role of appearance anxiety. |
|---|---|
| Authors: | Ryding, Francesca C., Harkin, Lydia J., Kuss, Daria J. |
| Source: | Behaviour & Information Technology. Feb2025, Vol. 44 Issue 3, p446-462. 17p. |
| Subjects: | Social media, Cross-sectional method, Self-esteem testing, Mental health, Cronbach's alpha, Questionnaires, Internet, Anxiety, Body image, Screen time, Path analysis (Statistics), Descriptive statistics, Psychometrics, Social networks, Social skills, Factor analysis, Mental depression, Self-perception, Well-being |
| Abstract: | Previous research into social networking site (SNS) use and well-being has predominantly focused on time spent online. However, this can often lead to the underestimation of behaviours associated with SNS use, such as how users engage with SNS platforms. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between SNS engagement patterns, namely active, passive and problematic usage patterns, and their relationship with anxiety, depression and self-esteem. Appearance anxiety was also examined as a mediating factor between Instagram engagement patterns and the selected well-being patterns. A sample of 290 participants reported their SNS engagement in a cross-sectional psychometric survey. Associations were investigated with markers for depression, anxiety, self-esteem, and appearance anxiety. Problematic use was associated with symptoms of anxiety and depression, and active use was negatively associated with depression. Appearance anxiety was revealed as a significant mediator for passive use on anxiety and depression, as well as for problematic use on anxiety and depression. Findings indicate problematic and passive usage patterns to have negative impacts regarding anxiety and depression symptomology, in addition to highlighting the role of appearance anxiety on well-being outcomes, contributing towards a better understanding of the underlying mechanisms associated with Instagram usage and well-being. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
| Copyright of Behaviour & Information Technology is the property of Taylor & Francis Ltd and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites without the copyright holder's express written permission. Additionally, content may not be used with any artificial intelligence tools or machine learning technologies. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.) | |
| Database: | Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection |
|
Full text is not displayed to guests.
Login for full access.
|
|
| Abstract: | Previous research into social networking site (SNS) use and well-being has predominantly focused on time spent online. However, this can often lead to the underestimation of behaviours associated with SNS use, such as how users engage with SNS platforms. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between SNS engagement patterns, namely active, passive and problematic usage patterns, and their relationship with anxiety, depression and self-esteem. Appearance anxiety was also examined as a mediating factor between Instagram engagement patterns and the selected well-being patterns. A sample of 290 participants reported their SNS engagement in a cross-sectional psychometric survey. Associations were investigated with markers for depression, anxiety, self-esteem, and appearance anxiety. Problematic use was associated with symptoms of anxiety and depression, and active use was negatively associated with depression. Appearance anxiety was revealed as a significant mediator for passive use on anxiety and depression, as well as for problematic use on anxiety and depression. Findings indicate problematic and passive usage patterns to have negative impacts regarding anxiety and depression symptomology, in addition to highlighting the role of appearance anxiety on well-being outcomes, contributing towards a better understanding of the underlying mechanisms associated with Instagram usage and well-being. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
|---|---|
| ISSN: | 0144929X |
| DOI: | 10.1080/0144929X.2024.2323078 |
