33rd Annual Student Research Conference
Fitspiration and Mental Health for College Students
Sarah Philpot* and Artur Krysiuk
Dr. Kristen Welker (Ohio State Universtiy) and Prof. Chris Outzen, Faculty Mentors
Fitspiration on social media is associated with increased risk for low self-esteem, body disatisfaction, and disordered eating, which are associated with groups in the LGBTQ+ community. This study sought to identify if fitspiration viewing and the prevalence of the associate risks differed between LGBTQ+ and non-LGBTQ+ students. This study used a cross-sectional survey design distributed in person to students at a small midwestern university. 429 students completed the survey, with 13.5% identifying as LGBTQ+. There were few statistically significant differences between LGBTQ+ and non-LGBTQ+ students and fitspiration viewers and non-viewers. Being an LGBTQ+ fitspiration viewer seems to have the greatest concern with LGBTQ+ students scoring higher for body dysmorphic disorder and disordered eating. Future studies should explore qualitatively the experiences of LGBTQ+ students on social media, and if increased visibility online is leading to a decrease in negative health outcomes experienced by LGBTQ+ people.
Keywords: Social Media, Fitspiration, LGBTQ+, body satisfaction, disordered eating, self-esteem
Topic(s):Health Science
Presentation Type: Poster
Session: TBA
Location: TBA
Time: TBA