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Review
. 2024 Jul 12;12(14):1396.
doi: 10.3390/healthcare12141396.

Body Perceptions and Psychological Well-Being: A Review of the Impact of Social Media and Physical Measurements on Self-Esteem and Mental Health with a Focus on Body Image Satisfaction and Its Relationship with Cultural and Gender Factors

Mariana Merino  1 , José Francisco Tornero-Aguilera  1 , Alejandro Rubio-Zarapuz  1 , Carlota Valeria Villanueva-Tobaldo  2 , Alexandra Martín-Rodríguez  1 , Vicente Javier Clemente-Suárez  1   3
Affiliations
Review

Body Perceptions and Psychological Well-Being: A Review of the Impact of Social Media and Physical Measurements on Self-Esteem and Mental Health with a Focus on Body Image Satisfaction and Its Relationship with Cultural and Gender Factors

Mariana Merino et al. Healthcare (Basel). .

Abstract

This narrative review examines the interplay among body image perceptions, social media influence, physical measurements, and their impact on psychological well-being, focusing on the roles of cultural and gender differences and the need to understand the research methodologies employed in this field. In the age of digital proliferation, platforms like Instagram and Facebook have reshaped body image concerns, often leading to increased dissatisfaction and psychological distress due to constant exposure to idealized images and a culture of social comparison. Physical attributes such as weight, height, and BMI are scrutinized under societal standards of health and attractiveness, contributing to a spectrum of mental health issues including low self-esteem, depression, and eating disorders. This examination reveals how cultural norms and gender expectations further complicate body image perceptions, affecting individuals differently based on societal and personal ideals. It synthesizes current research and types of methods to illuminate how these factors together influence mental health and self-esteem, advocating for comprehensive interventions and policy measures aimed at mitigating body dissatisfaction and promoting a healthier, more inclusive understanding of body image. By delving into the complexities of body image satisfaction and its psychological implications, this review highlights the necessity of addressing these concerns within public health and social policy frameworks, underscoring the importance of a multifaceted approach to enhance individual and societal well-being.

Keywords: body image satisfaction; cultural norms; gender differences; physical measurements; psychological well-being; social media influence.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
The influence of social media on mental health and potential strategies for intervention to address this issue; Up arrow: increase; Down arrow: Decrease.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Effects that can be caused by the label marking weight and height measurements as well as BMI categorization.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Differences between genders in body image perception solutions to mitigate the impact of satisfaction and strategies to address its influence.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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