Presenter(s)

Ella Lucia Dileo

Comments

Presentation: 9:00-10:15, Kennedy Union Ballroom

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Description

This project will examine the societal influence of popular culture, specifically though figures like the Kardashians and Barbies, in perpetuating harmful body image stereotypes. It emphasizes the role of social media in promoting these unrealistic beauty standards for girls and discusses the negative impact it has on mental health. Various issues contribute to these ideals, but social media is a significant and under-discussed platform in this regard. In a study done within SPSS of an analysis of mental health data from 4022 individuals, significant findings emerged. Individuals identifying as non-white exhibit a decreased likelihood of experiencing mental illness, contrasting with non-heterosexual individuals who report higher levels of mental health issues. Age is also a factor, with older individuals demonstrating a greater tendency for mental health issues. Shockingly, the level of peer closeness at school correlates positively with mental health issues, as well as the positive association between increased screentime use which shows an increase in mental health problems. Additionally, weight correlated with poorer mental health outcomes. These findings highlight the various interactions of demographic and behavior factors in shaping mental health outcomes. As well as emphasizing the urgency to further examine the negative impact of social media within adolescent mental health.

Publication Date

4-17-2024

Project Designation

Capstone Project

Primary Advisor

Mark A. Morgan

Primary Advisor's Department

Criminal Justice and Security Studies

Keywords

Stander Symposium, College of Arts and Sciences

Institutional Learning Goals

Diversity; Community; Traditions

How the Stigma of Body Image Negatively Affects the Mental Health of Adolescents

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