Date

6-17-2026

Department

School of Behavioral Sciences

Degree

Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology (PhD)

Chair

Sarah Jo Spiridigliozzi

Keywords

Social media and TV effects on the women's body

Disciplines

Psychology

Abstract

This qualitative study employed Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis to examine the perception of adult women regarding the role of reality television and social media in influencing body image, self-worth, and mental health. Semi-structured interviews were conducted on 15 women aged between 18 and 50 years, who lived in the United States and actively used reality TV and social media, and reported body-image distress, which was indicative of body dysmorphic trait. Data interpretation was done in an ideographical manner and followed by pattern analysis across cases. The results suggested that idealized and edited media images were popularly identified by the participants as salient comparison targets that increased self-consciousness and dissatisfaction with the body.

Numerous reports associated upward comparison with diminished self-esteem and augmented self-criticism, but a smaller percentage of reports explained selective motivation by fitness-related content. Coping responses were also described, such as appearance management, concealment, and efforts to make healthy habits. In general, the main conclusions revealed that the perceived social comparison processes play a central role in the sense-making of the participants and have certain implications on media literacy and supportive interventions.

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