THE IMPACT OF MEDIA ON BODY IMAGE DISSATISFACTION AMONG

SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS’

A Research Paper

Presented to the Faculty of HUMSS Strand

Leyte National High School

Division of Tacloban city

Tacloban City, Leyte

In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements

In Practical Research 1

by

Abella, Shanthea Elaisies B.

Egonio, Ma. Elyzsa M.

Estacion, Kurt Chelzy B.

Mejico, ReyJan B.

Gumba, Kaye Bianca Rose R.

Sales, Chrisquel Mysh S.

 CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION

In modern society, adolescents are immersed in a media-driven world

where

beauty and body image perceptions are heavily influenced by various media

platforms. While social media has many benefits, such as staying connected with

friends and family, it has also been associated with various negative effects, including

its impact on body image (Huang, Peng, and Ahn, 2021). With its pervasive presence,

media shapes how individuals perceive themselves and others, often dictating

unrealistic beauty standards. Body image is a multidimensional concept that

encompasses how individuals think, feel, perceive, and behave concerning their

bodies. Adolescence is a critical period for the development of either a healthy or

unhealthy body image (Voelker, Reel, & Greenleaf, 2015). During this stage, the

pressure to conform to ideal beauty standards intensifies, gradually seeping into

adolescents' minds and influencing their self-perception leading to body image

dissatisfaction. Body image dissatisfaction (BID) is described as the negative

perceptions that a person carries about his or her own body. (Alharballeh, S., Dodeen,

H. 2023). Senior High School students, in particular, are highly exposed to and

vulnerable to media influences as they are still in the process of developing their self-

identity. The rise of various media forms—including social media, television, fashion

magazines, and advertisements—has further contributed to body image dissatisfaction

by promoting unrealistic and often unattainable beauty ideals. Perloff (2014) suggests

that thin-ideal portrayals in new media may be equally, if not more, influential than

those in traditional media. The interactive and pervasive nature of social media and
digital platforms intensifies body image concerns, potentially surpassing the long-

established impact of television, magazines, and advertisements.

The media's portrayal of beauty standards not only emphasizes extreme

thinness

for females and muscularity for males but also reinforces a narrow and unrealistic

definition of attractiveness. This absurd idea fosters a culture in which self-worth is

closely tied to physical appearance, leading to increased body dissatisfaction among

students who do not conform to these standards. Schuck, Munsch, & Schneider,

(2018) state that, underestimating the average body size can distort perceptions of

one’s own body, widening the perceived gap between personal appearance and

societal norms. This misperception may heighten body dissatisfaction and amplify

concerns about weight and shape. The rise of advanced media platforms has

intensified these issues, as Senior High School students are constantly exposed to

edited and filtered images that promote unattainable beauty ideals. Consequently, this

exposure can lead to increased social comparisons, reduced self-esteem, and even

mental health concerns such as anxiety and depression. While females may

experience pressure to achieve a slim figure, males often face expectations of

muscularity, creating different but equally harmful effects. Given the significant

influence of media, fostering media literacy is essential in helping students critically

evaluate unrealistic portrayals of beauty and develop a healthier self-image.

This study aims to determine the prevalence of media influence on body image
dissatisfaction among Senior High School students and identify which forms of media

have the most significant impact. The findings from this research may contribute to

future studies, propose possible coping mechanisms, and raise awareness among

students about the importance of developing a healthy body image. By promoting

critical media consumption, this study hopes to reduce adolescents' susceptibility to

the unrealistic beauty standards perpetuated by the media.

Background and Rationale

Adolescents are highly influenced by media, particularly social media

platforms. The widespread consumption of idealized body images online has

contributed to increasing body image dissatisfaction among adolescents. Many

teenagers compare themselves to unrealistic media portrayals, which do not

accurately represent the average individual. This exposure often leads to lower

acceptance of diverse body types, negatively affecting mental health and overall well-

being.

Understanding the impact of media on body image is crucial, as dissatisfaction

with one's appearance can have long-term psychological and social consequences.

Negative self-perceptions may lead to lower self-esteem, social withdrawal, and

unhealthy coping mechanisms. Given the significant role of media in shaping

adolescents’ self-image, this study aims to examine how different media platforms

contribute to body dissatisfaction and their influence on the mental well-being of

Senior High School students.

 The findings of this research can provide valuable insights for
educators,

parents, and policymakers in addressing body image concerns among adolescents. By

promoting media literacy and critical consumption of digital content, this study can

help in fostering self-acceptance and encouraging healthy body image practices.

Additionally, this research can serve as a foundation for future studies on media

literacy and its potential in mitigating the adverse effects of unrealistic beauty

standards.

Statement of the Problem

The study sought to determine the impact of media on body

image

dissatisfaction among Senior High School students. Furthermore, the study will

examine the coping strategies employed by students to manage body image concerns

and propose recommendations for promoting a positive body image.

To answer the above cited problem, an answer to the following will be sought:

1.What factors contribute to body image dissatisfaction among Senior High

School students?

2. How does media influence body image dissatisfaction among Senior High

School students?
 3.What coping mechanisms do Senior High School students employ to deal

with

body image dissatisfaction influenced by media?

This research aims to:

1. Explore the underlying effects of media on body image dissatisfaction among

senior high school students.

2. Analyze the coping strategies used by senior high school students to manage

body image dissatisfaction caused by media influence.

3. Propose recommendations for promoting positive body image among senior

high school students

Scope and Limitations of the Study

This study will explore the real-world experiences of Senior High School

students who have experienced the impact of media on body image dissatisfaction.

Data collection will be conducted among 10 respondents from Grade 11 Humanities

and Social Sciences (HUMSS) students from different sections. The study will

employ qualitative methods to collect and analyze data, with a questionnaire serving

as the primary research instrument for gathering survey responses and references.

Furthermore, the study will strictly focus on its intended scope and will not
delve into personal or sensitive matters beyond the research objectives. The study is

limited to Humanities and Social Sciences (HUMSS) students of Leyte National High

School during the Academic Year 2024-2025.

Significance of the Study

The sole purpose of this study is to examine the prevalence of body

image

dissatisfaction among teenagers and explore the role of media in contributing to this

issue. It will identify the most influential types of media and determine which groups

of Senior High School students are most affected. Additionally, the study will

investigate how media influences students’ self-perception, focusing on social

comparisons, internalization of beauty ideals, and the development of negative self-

images. Furthermore, this research will assess both the short-term and long-term

effects of media-induced body dissatisfaction on students’ mental and physical health,

social lives, and overall well-being. Based on the findings, the study will propose

strategies to help Senior High School students navigate media influences, positive

body image campaigns, and tailored mental health services.

The study’s insights could also inform policy decisions, advocating for stricter

advertising regulations, the integration of media literacy education in school curricula,

and the promotion of more diverse media representations. Finally, this research will
contribute to the existing body of knowledge on body image and media influence,

refining existing theories or developing new ones to deepen our understanding of this

complex issue

Definition of Terms

Body image - refers to “a person’s perceptions, thoughts and feelings about his or her

body”. (Grogan S.,2017)

Body image dissatisfaction (BID) - describes the negative perceptions that a person

carries about his or her own body. (Alharballeh, S., Dodeen, H.,2023)

Impact - can be defined as a “marked effect or influence” on a particular entity or

environment. (Barker,2023)

Media - is the collective communication outlets or tools that store and deliver

information or data. It’s a broad term that encompasses a multitude of platforms,

including newspapers, magazines, radio, television, and the internet. (Kumar, P.,2023)

Senior High School (SHS) - refers to Grades 11 and 12, the last two years of

the K to 12 Basic Education Program. (DepEd, 2016)

 CHAPTER 2

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE AND FRAMEWORKS OF THE

STUDY

Review of Related Literature

McLean et al. (2015) reveals that because of social media’s interactive and

public nature may make it more strongly linked to body dissatisfaction than other

online activities, as users expose themselves to feedback and validation from others.

One study of Meier and Gray (2014) found that for female high
school

students, greater exposure to photos on Facebook — rather than overall time spent on

the platform — is more strongly linked to increased body dissatisfaction.

Review of Related Study

Newly emerging forms of media, particularly social media, have been identified

as significant contributors to negative body image outcomes by facilitating social

comparisons with peers and celebrities across various age groups. Research by

Fardouly and Vartanian (2015) as well as Holland and Tiggemann (2016) highlights

how the pervasive nature of social media platforms amplifies opportunities for

individuals to engage in upward social comparisons. These comparisons often

emphasize unattainable beauty standards, thereby exacerbating body dissatisfaction

and related concerns. The influence of social media appears to transcend age

boundaries, making it a potent factor in shaping body image perceptions negatively.

A conducted meta-analysis by Saiphoo and Vahedi (2019) to investigate the

impact of exposure to body-centered content within beauty ideals via social media on

body satisfaction. Their findings indicated a small but significant negative effect,

suggesting that increased exposure to idealized beauty standards on platforms such as

Instagram and TikTok contributes to lower body satisfaction. These results align with

the growing body of research indicating that social media intensifies body image

concerns through social comparison and the reinforcement of unattainable beauty

standards.

The latest study by Saunders and Eaton (2018), increased exposure to

idealized thinness on social media significantly heightens the risk of disordered eating

attitudes and behaviors among adolescents. The social pressure to attain slimness,

amplified by platforms that emphasize appearance-focused content, leads many

adolescents to adopt unhealthy weight control and eating practices. These findings

align with the sociocultural model of disordered eating, suggesting that the portrayal

of unrealistic body standards on social media plays a crucial role in shaping

adolescents' body image perceptions and behaviors.

As suggested by Perloff’s (2014) proposed model of social media and

body

image, this study suggests that greater investment in self-photo sharing on social

media is linked to heightened body image concerns and disordered eating behaviors.

It shows an idea that social media can reinforce negative self-perceptions, especially

for those already struggling with body dissatisfaction.

A study by Tadena, Kang, and Kim in 2020, investigated the impact of

social media affinity on eating attitudes and body dissatisfaction among Filipino

adolescents, revealing a significant negative relationship between social media

affinity and healthy eating attitudes, as well as between eating attitudes and body

dissatisfaction. The findings from multiple regression analysis indicated that factors

such as grade level, body dissatisfaction, and social media affinity significantly

influenced eating attitudes, while both eating attitudes and social media affinity were

significant predictors of body dissatisfaction. These results underscore the influential

role of social media in shaping adolescents' perceptions of body image and eating

behaviors.

Hogue and Mills (2019) reported that adolescent use of social media is largely

associated with negative effects on mental health, including heightened levels of

depression, anxiety, and self-harming behaviors. Additionally, extensive social media

use has been linked to decreased social and emotional well-being, low self-esteem,

and negative body image. These findings suggest that the pressures and comparisons

inherent in social media environments can significantly impact adolescents'

psychological health and self-perception.

A study by de Vries et al. (2016) found a positive correlation between

the frequency of social media use and the tendency to engage in appearance-based

comparisons, as well as increased exposure to media messages promoting unrealistic

body ideals. This exposure contributes to decreased body satisfaction, as the idealized

body images presented by the media are easily recalled and strongly internalized as

prevailing standards of beauty. Consequently, individuals are more likely to evaluate

their own appearances against these unrealistic benchmarks, intensifying body

dissatisfaction.

The present meta-analysis of Huang, Q., Peng, W., & Ahn, S. (2020)
demonstrates

that appearance-based media exposure has a small to moderate impact on body image

concerns and related behaviors among both men and women. The findings suggest

that thin-ideal media can effectively heighten body dissatisfaction, with various

moderators influencing the extent of this effect on individuals’ self-concepts and

behaviors. These results underscore the role of media in shaping perceptions of body

shape and managing dissatisfaction or pressure associated with these ideals.

Additionally, the analysis provides empirical support for multiple theoretical

frameworks that link media exposure to body image concerns.

Alenezi and Brinthaupt (2022), students frequently used social media for casual networking
and amusing, but not as frequently as a formal teaching aid. The majority of pupils thought
that social media promoted interaction, participation from peers and teachers, group
learning, and engagement. With this it will also improve their independence in working and
finding educational resources according to Ibraev, A. D. (2024)
DRAFT

Photoshopping the Selfie: Self Photo Editing and Photo

Investment are Associated with Body Dissatisfaction in

Adolescent Girls

Si^an A. McLean, BSc(Hons)1*

Susan J. Paxton, PhD1

Eleanor H. Wertheim, PhD1

Jennifer Masters, PhD

Social media use may have stronger associations with body dissatisfaction

than other Internet-related activities15 because it is

highly interactive and self-exposing, with others

commenting on postings in a public manner. Social media’s interactive and public nature may
make it more strongly linked to body dissatisfaction than other online activities, as users
expose themselves to feedback and validation from others. (McLean et al., 2015).

Taking

“selfies” (photos one takes of oneself ) or “usies”

(which include others), and sharing and comparing

these through social media, may heighten appearance focus and increase internalization of
appearance ideals, contributing to body dissatisfaction.

Importantly, in conservative hierarchical regression analyses, higher investment in self-photo

sharing was associated with greater overvaluation of

shape and weight, body dissatisfaction, and dietary

restraint.

the study suggests that people who are more invested in sharing photos of themselves tend
to have more concerns about their body image and may engage in unhealthy eating
behaviors.

In contrast to

the small or null relationships for general and social

media engagement, the robust findings for the selfphoto-related variables suggests that the
active

component of social media engagement contributes

to negative outcomes. Specifically, actively presenting a desired image, or actively seeking,

comparing,

and commenting on others’ images may provoke

self-scrutiny that leads to body concerns in a manner that does not occur with passive
traditional

media engagement.
Social Media Effects on Young Women’s Body Image Concerns:

Theoretical Perspectives and an Agenda for Research

Richard M. Perloff

hird, in line with Perloff’s17

proposed model of social media and body image,

engagement in social media may be sought by individuals with high body-related and eating
concerns

who seek gratification for their concerns, such as

“reassurance and validation regarding physical and

social attractiveness”.

Last, newly emerging media such as social media plays a significant role in bringing forth
negative body image relevant outcomes through social comparison with peers or celebrities
across different age groups (e.g., Fardouly & Vartanian, 2015; Holland &Tiggemann, 2016)
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