Volume 36, Issue 261 (10-2026)
J Mazandaran Univ Med Sci 2026, 36(261): 110-120 |
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Poursadegh Kordi A, Emami Zeydi A, Hosseinnataj A, Jannati Y. The Mediating Role of Social Media Use in the Relationship Between Self-Esteem and Body Image Concerns Among Undergraduate Students. J Mazandaran Univ Med Sci 2026; 36 (261) :110-120
URL: http://jmums.mazums.ac.ir/article-1-22704-en.html
URL: http://jmums.mazums.ac.ir/article-1-22704-en.html
Abstract: (18 Views)
Background and purpose: Due to the widespread use of social media and its potential effects on mental health and body image, this study aimed to investigate the mediating role of social media use in the relationship between self-esteem and body image concerns among undergraduate students at Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences.
Materials and methods: This descriptive-correlational study was conducted among 250 undergraduate students at Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences. Participants were selected using multistage random sampling, and data were collected using the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, Jahanbani Social Networks Questionnaire, and Littleton Body Image Concern Questionnaire. Data were analysed using Pearson’s correlation coefficient, multiple linear regression, and structural equation modelling in SPSS and AMOS.
Results: The findings showed that 77.6% of the students had high self-esteem, while 68.8% reported low levels of body image concerns. In addition, 96% of the students had a moderate level of social media use. There was a significant inverse relationship between self-esteem and body image concerns (β = -1.50, P < 0.001). Moreover, social media use was significantly and positively associated with body image concerns (β = 0.21, P = 0.018). However, social media use did not significantly mediate the relationship between self-esteem and body image concerns. Furthermore, no statistically significant association was found between self-esteem and social media use (β = -0.04, P = 0.502).
Conclusion: Although social media use was independently associated with body image concerns, it did not significantly mediate the relationship between self-esteem and body image concerns in this study. These findings may inform the development of multidimensional interventions to enhance self-esteem, promote mindful social media use, and improve body image among university students.
Materials and methods: This descriptive-correlational study was conducted among 250 undergraduate students at Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences. Participants were selected using multistage random sampling, and data were collected using the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, Jahanbani Social Networks Questionnaire, and Littleton Body Image Concern Questionnaire. Data were analysed using Pearson’s correlation coefficient, multiple linear regression, and structural equation modelling in SPSS and AMOS.
Results: The findings showed that 77.6% of the students had high self-esteem, while 68.8% reported low levels of body image concerns. In addition, 96% of the students had a moderate level of social media use. There was a significant inverse relationship between self-esteem and body image concerns (β = -1.50, P < 0.001). Moreover, social media use was significantly and positively associated with body image concerns (β = 0.21, P = 0.018). However, social media use did not significantly mediate the relationship between self-esteem and body image concerns. Furthermore, no statistically significant association was found between self-esteem and social media use (β = -0.04, P = 0.502).
Conclusion: Although social media use was independently associated with body image concerns, it did not significantly mediate the relationship between self-esteem and body image concerns in this study. These findings may inform the development of multidimensional interventions to enhance self-esteem, promote mindful social media use, and improve body image among university students.
Type of Study: Research(Original) |
Subject:
Psychiatric Nursing
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