Internalization Of Body Ideals Research Articles

Body fat and muscularity dissatisfaction are not prospectively associated with psychological wellbeing among sexual minority men: A case for separating within- and between-person variation in examinations of body image phenomena and their outcomes

Extensive cross-sectional research reports that body fat and muscularity dissatisfaction contribute to negative psychological outcomes among sexual minority men; however, longitudinal models are necessary for accurately quantifying the strength and direction of these relationships. We investigated the bidirectional longitudinal relationships of body fat and muscularity dissatisfaction with psychological quality of life among 2953 sexual minority men using random intercept cross-lagged panel models. Consistent with existing literature, we found that higher average muscularity and body fat dissatisfaction were associated with higher average psychological quality of life impairment between-persons. Unexpectedly, these constructs were not significantly associated within-persons/longitudinally. These findings conflict existing literature’s conclusions that muscularity and body fat dissatisfaction consistently contribute to poorer psychological wellbeing in this population. A significant between-person relationship in the absence of within-person relationships suggests that intermediary constructs (e.g., body ideal internalization) may account for the between-person effects of muscularity and body fat dissatisfaction on psychological wellbeing. Future research can accurately estimate these effects and identify reliable intervention targets by ensuring that within- and between-person relationships are examined separately, rather than being conflated.

The relationship between racial/ethnic identification and body ideal internalization, hair satisfaction, and skin tone satisfaction in black and black/white biracial women

Eurocentric physical characteristics, including a thin, tall physique, long straight hair, and fair skin, typify Western beauty standards. Past research indicates that for Black women, greater identification with one’s racial/ethnic culture may buffer against internalizing Eurocentric beauty standards, specifically the thin ideal. Black/White Biracial women often experience different appearance pressures from each of their racial identity’s sociocultural appearance ideals. Unfortunately, body image research is limited among Bi/Multiracial individuals. Participants were recruited online via Prime Panels, a high-quality data recruitment service provided by CloudResearch. Participants, M(SD)Age= 34.64 (12.85), self-reported their racial/ethnic identification, thin and thick/curvy ideal internalization, and hair and skin tone satisfaction. Using linear regression analyses, we assessed whether racial/ethnic identification buffered against monoracial Black (n = 317) and Black/White Biracial (n = 254) women’s thin ideal internalization. Additionally, we assessed whether stronger racial/ethnic identity was associated with stronger thick/curvy ideal internalization and hair and skin tone satisfaction. Supporting hypotheses, greater racial/ethnic identification was associated with higher thick/curvy ideal internalization and hair and skin tone satisfaction among both Black and Biracial women. Contrary to hypotheses, greater racial/ethnic identification was not associated with lower thin ideal internalization in either group. Our results stress the need to use racially and culturally sensitive measurements of body image.

Further evidence of the association between social media use, eating disorder pathology and appearance ideals and pressure: a cross-sectional study in Norwegian adolescents

BackgroundFew studies have investigated how the plethora of contemporary social media (SM) platforms relate to, and influence eating disorder (ED) pathology, appearance ideals and pressure to conform to these ideals in youth.MethodsIn this study, 1558 girls (53%) and boys (47%), predominantly within the 16–19 age range, completed an online questionnaire assessing SM use and perceived influence on appearance, ED pathology, internalization of appearance ideals and perceived appearance pressure.ResultsResults showed that ED pathology was common, particularly in girls, and that internalization of body ideals was gender specific, a thin ideal being more prevalent in girls, and a muscular ideal being more common in boys. Results also showed a strong association between ED pathology and perceived pressure to conform to these appearance ideals. One fourth of the participants reported spending four hours or more on SM daily, and 80% of girls reported that SM, particularly Instagram and TikTok, had a negative influence on how they felt about their appearance. These girls had significantly higher levels of ED pathology and reported higher levels of appearance pressure from the media.ConclusionA clear pattern of associations between photo- and video specific SM platforms, ED pathology, internalization of body ideals and perceived pressure was found in this study. Adolescent girls appeared to be particularly at risk. The results illustrate an imperative need to keep addressing the potential risks of SM use in adolescents, and to continue monitoring the effect of SM on young people’s view of themselves, their appearance, and their eating habits. Future studies should attempt to identify aspects of SM use that may be particularly detrimental for girls and boys in their formative years, but also those that may enhance adolescents’ satisfaction and appreciation of their body and appearance.Trial registration: The study is registered in the Open Science Framework (Identifier: 10.17605/OSF.IO/5RB6P https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/5RB6P).

The female athletic ideal — Friend or foe? Fit, thin, and athletic body ideals and their associations with women’s body image

The internalization of body ideals is a critical predictor of body image and health behaviors. Thin and athletic ideal internalization in women need to be elucidated. The aims of the current study included: (i) describing the endorsement of thin and athletic body ideals among women and (ii) examining group differences in negative and positive self-conscious emotions and body image. Participants (N = 392 women; Mage = 25.6, SD = 5.3 years) were assigned to Fit Ideal (n = 110), Thin Ideal (n = 83), Athletic Ideal (n = 55), and Low Internalization (n = 144) groups based on scores for thin and athletic internalization. Three multivariate analyses of variance were conducted to examine Body Ideal group differences on negative appearance and fitness self-conscious emotions, and positive self-conscious emotions and body image. The Athletic Ideal and Low Internalization groups generally scored lower on negative self-conscious emotions and higher on positive self-conscious emotions and body image in comparison to the Fit and Thin Ideal groups (Cohen’s d =.35 to 1.15). Results suggest that differing levels of thin and athletic internalization may intersect uniquely with women’s body-related self-conscious emotions and positive body image and thus may have distinct effects on women’s health and behavior.

FROM SOCIAL MEDIA USE TO WILLINGNESS FOR BARIATRIC SURGERY IN CHINESE INDIVIDUALS: UNRAVELING THE PSYCHOLOGICAL MECHANISM

Social media has become increasingly significant in life with its convenience and communicative vividness, shaping users' perceptions and reinforcing social norms, including socially accepted beauty standards. In China, the development of domestic social platforms has fueled a desire for achieving thin or muscular ideal bodies. Bariatric surgery, a procedure on the digestive system with substantial post-surgical weight loss, enjoys great popularity for individuals concerned about weight and shape. Given that prior studies have primarily explored the relationship between social media use and willingness for bariatric surgery in Western settings, a notable gap exists regarding this association in the Chinese context. Drawing upon social learning theory and social comparison theory, the current study aims to pioneer an investigation into social media’s impact on Chinese individuals' willingness for bariatric surgery and its underlying mechanisms. Unlike previous studies that evaluated social media use by duration, the researcher innovatively assesses social media use from multiple dimensions: intensity, appearance-related preoccupation, and photo-based activities. Using a quantitative approach, a cross-sectional survey involving 385 Chinese participants who use Chinese social platforms and have body weight or shape concerns was conducted. Results reveal a positive relationship between social media use intensity and photo-based activities with willingness for bariatric surgery, while the effect of appearance-related preoccupation is insignificant. Psychological mechanisms include upward social comparison, body dissatisfaction, body ideal internalization, and low self-esteem. While this study primarily focuses on direct relationships, it leaves room for future exploration of mediation and moderation. These findings address the literature gap on how Chinese individuals perceive and contemplate bariatric surgery under social media influence. The study suggests preventive interventions through promoting rational social media use to alleviate body image concerns and disseminating accurate information about bariatric surgery.

Birds of a feather flocking together on Instagram: How racially similar followers and followings on Instagram are linked to young women’s body image

In light of recent studies demonstrating the detrimental effects of social media use on young women’s body image, we examined the racial composition of young women’s Instagram followers, as well as the racial composition of the individuals in young women’s followed Instagram accounts, in relation to their appearance ideals and body image. Based on social identity theory (Tajfel & Turner, 1979), we tested two main propositions. First, women who have racially similar followers and followed accounts will be more likely to internalize body ideal preferences that are relevant to their in-group (i.e., thinness for Asian-American and White women; curviness for Black and Latina women). Second, following and being followed by people of one’s racial identity in-group will have ameliorative effects on young women’s body image (i.e., more body appreciation; less body dissatisfaction). Our sample included 533 U.S. women who identified as Asian-American (n = 97), Black (n = 101), Latina (n = 98), or White (n = 237). The results provided more support for the notion that racially similar followers and accounts followed are related to better body image outcomes rather than to the internalization of body ideals. Specifically, following a higher percentage of racially similar accounts was positively associated with body appreciation among Asian-American and White participants and negatively associated with body dissatisfaction among Asian-American participants. Likewise, being followed by a higher percentage of racially similar others was positively associated with body appreciation among Asian-American, Black, and White participants, and negatively associated with body dissatisfaction among Latina participants. The findings are discussed in light of social identity theory.

Association Between Emotion Regulation and Body Image Concerns in a Group of Adolescent Boys: Interaction With the Internalization of the Sociocultural Body Ideal

This study examined the relationships of sociocultural body ideal internalization, difficulties in emotion regulation, and their interaction with body image concerns in a group of 423 adolescent boys. Participants were aged from 12 to 17 years old and completed multiple self-reported questionnaires. Regression analyses and latent moderation structural equations were performed. Both variables were positively correlated with body dissatisfaction, drive for muscularity, restrained eating, and emotional eating. The internalization of men’s sociocultural body ideal moderated the relationships between multiple difficulties in emotion regulation and some body image concerns. These results are in line with findings of other studies among adult men and women, and dominant theories of body image concerns, which have been derived especially from women populations.

Men's perception of current and ideal body composition and the influence of media internalization on body judgements.

To determine men's body ideals and the factors that influence these choices, this study used a matrix of computer generated (CG) male bodies (based on an analysis of 3D scanned real bodies) which independently varied in fat and muscle content. Two hundred and fifty-eight male participants completed a range of psychometric measures to index body concerns and body ideal internalization and then chose the CG body that best reflected their own current body, as well as the body that reflected their personal ideal. A subset of participants was then retested to check that these judgements were stable over time. While judgements of the ideal body seem to be influenced by a shared appearance ideal, the degree to which this ideal was internalized showed significant variability between participants. The effect of this internalization was reflected in the difference between the estimated current body and the ideal. Higher internalization led to a preference for higher muscle and lower fat content. This preference was most marked for fat content, although reducing adiposity also made the underlying musculature more salient. Additionally, the ideal body composition was modulated by the composition the participant believed his current body had (i.e., it seemed that a participant's ideal body was anchored by what they believed to be their current body and what change was possible from this starting point).

Psychometric Evaluation of the Drive for Muscularity Scale and the Muscle Dysmorphic Disorder Inventory among Brazilian Cisgender Gay and Bisexual Adult Men.

Despite high levels of muscularity concerns among sexual-minority men, most of the existing literature on the drive for muscularity and muscle dysmorphia focuses on heterosexual men and has mainly been conducted in Western and English-speaking regions. The present study aimed to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Drive for Muscularity Scale (DMS) and the Muscle Dysmorphic Disorder Inventory (MDDI) in Brazilian cisgender gay and bisexual adult men who were 18-50 years old. We evaluated the factor structure of both measures using a two-step, split-sample exploratory (EFA; n = 704) and confirmatory (CFA; n = 705) factor-analytic approach, which supported the original three-factor structure of the MDDI and resulted in a reduced two-factor solution with 13 items for the DMS. Convergent validity was supported through associations of the DMS and the MDDI with eating disorder symptoms, body-ideal internalization, self-objectification beliefs and behaviors, and body appreciation measures. Additionally, we found good internal consistency, and test-retest reliability of both measures. Results support the validity and reliability of the DMS and the MDDI in Brazilian cisgender gay and bisexual adult men and will support future studies exploring these constructs in Brazilian sexual-minority men.

Images of bodies in mass and social media and body dissatisfaction: The role of internalization and self-discrepancy.

The study examines the influence on body dissatisfaction of viewed images of bodies transmitted over mass media and social media, as mediated by the internalization of body ideals through media and self-discrepancy (the difference between the perceived actual self and the perceived ideal self). In this study, the images of bodies individuals view in their everyday media diet are estimated using a newly developed pictorial scale for women (thinness) and men (muscularity). For participants, the perceived body image is formed through mass media (magazines, TV) and social media (Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, and Snapchat). The self-discrepancy theory is then used to explain the effect of images of bodies in the media on the internalization of these body ideals and body dissatisfaction. Results show that Facebook and YouTube shape body ideals perceived to be prevalent in the media, negatively influencing internalization and self-discrepancy. Self-discrepancy, in turn, increases body dissatisfaction. However, for males, the perceived body ideals in the media did not affect body dissatisfaction, internalization, or self-discrepancy. These results emphasize the importance of combining and comparing mass and social media and differentiating between female and male concerns regarding body image.

Enriching sociocultural perspectives on the effects of idealized body norms: Integrating shame, positive body image, and self-compassion.

Body image is an integral aspect of the psychology of the self. Idealized body images are ubiquitous in both traditional media forms (e.g., magazines, television) and social media (e.g., Facebook, Instagram). The classic sociocultural model of body image (i.e., the Tripartite Influence Model) emphasizes pathways between idealized body norms, appearance comparisons, internalization of body ideals, and body dissatisfaction and its outcomes. We summarize the model and identify some issues to be addressed in future work, particularly in light of the immense popularity of social media. We review three topics that are not included in the sociocultural model but that provide a more complete picture of the influence of societal body norms on body image: (1) body shame, (2) positive body image, and (3) self-compassion. Research on the nature, assessment, and relevance of these constructs is reviewed in detail. In terms of clinical applications of these areas of research for individuals at risk of body dissatisfaction, we suggest assessing for and targeting body shame, cultivating facets of positive body image, and teaching strategies for developing self-compassion.

Psychometric properties of the Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire among Brazilian cisgender gay and bisexual adult men.

One of the most widely used assessment tools for disordered eating attitudes and behaviors, the Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire (EDE-Q), has not yet been evaluated in Brazilian cisgender gay and bisexual men-an at-risk population given the extent of minority stressors in Brazilian culture. The present study aimed to assess the psychometric properties of the EDE-Q among Brazilian cisgender gay and bisexual adult men. The Brazilian EDE-Q was administered to a sample of 1409 gay and bisexual adult men, along with measures of self-objectification, body-ideal internalization, drive for muscularity, muscle dysmorphia symptoms, and body appreciation. The factor structure of the Brazilian EDE-Q was assessed using a two-step, split-sample exploratory (EFA; n=704) and confirmatory factor analytic approach (CFA; n=705). Additionally, convergent validity, internal consistency, and 2-week test-retest reliability were assessed. Findings from an EFA and CFA revealed a one-factor structure with 22 items and adequate internal consistency (ω=.92, 95% CI=[.91, .93]). Moreover, the scale demonstrated good 2-week test-retest reliability (ICC=.86, 95% CI=[.82, .88], p < .001). The EDE-Q scores showed positive associations with self-objectification, body-ideal internalization, muscle dysmorphia symptoms, and drive for muscularity, as well as a negative association with body appreciation. Results provide support for the use of the EDE-Q using a one-factor structure in Brazilian cisgender gay and bisexual adult men and give insights for future studies on eating disorders in sexual minorities in Latin America. The Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire (EDE-Q) is one of the most widely used self-report measures of eating disorder symptoms. However, there is a lack of research on the validity and reliability of the EDE-Q in Latin American countries. This study evaluated the validity and reliability of the EDE-Q in Brazilian cisgender gay and bisexual adult men. Our findings give insights for future studies on eating disorders in sexual minorities in Latin America.

Acculturation and Disordered Eating among Asian American College Students: The Role of Objectification through a Sociocultural Lens.

Disordered eating is a public health problem because it's highly prevalent, dangerous, and costly. More research about its risk factors and mechanisms is needed to address this problem and prevent disordered eating among high-risk populations, particularly understudied ethnic minorities. The present study contributes to the limited existing research on acculturation and disordered eating among Asian American college students who represent an understudied and high-risk group. The sample consisted of 245 Asian American (primarily East and Southeast Asian American) college students who provided data on their acculturation status, internalization of thin and muscular body ideals, body surveillance, body shame, and disordered eating. Results show that after controlling for gender, both cultures are positively associated with internalization of the muscular body ideal, but only the Asian culture of origin is associated with disordered eating. Additionally, path analysis results show that Asian culture of origin has a significant total effect on disordered eating as well as a significant indirect effect on disordered eating, mediated by thin body ideal internalization. While American culture does not have a significant contribution to body ideal internalization or disordered eating, it interacts with Asian culture of origin and put participants with high levels of both cultures at a greater risk for muscular body ideal internalization. Findings highlight the importance of cultural context in the understanding of body experiences and disordered eating among Asian American college students and have implications for the prevention and intervention of these problems in this high-risk population.

A moderated mediation model for body-positive online content and body image among adolescents

Body-positive online content (BPOC) has recently become widespread, yet the factors that explain its association with body satisfaction have scarcely been studied. The current study investigates the indirect association between the self-reported frequency of viewing BPOC and body satisfaction through body appreciation and the moderating roles of body-ideal internalization, self-esteem, intentional searching, and gender. Utilizing survey data from 1530 Czech adolescents aged 13–18 (M=15.4, SD=1.7, 50 % girls), the present study found limited support for an indirect connection between the frequency of viewing BPOC and body satisfaction through body appreciation. Nonetheless, an indirect association appeared among adolescents with average and above-average frequencies for intentional searching for BPOC. Other investigated moderating factors were not significant. The present findings suggest that BPOC may be positively associated with body image, but only for those who deliberately search for it. The study highlights the importance of individual moderating factors in the context of BPOC and the remaining research gaps, such as the examination of its various types and aspects and their relationship with body image.

Explanations for use of dietary- and muscle enhancing dietary supplements among university students: a\xa0national cross-sectional study

BackgroundUse of dietary supplements (DS) and muscle enhancing dietary supplements (MEDS) is frequent among students despite the lack of evidence of effects and health risks related to consumption. We need to increase our understanding of students’ motivation, examine potential gender differences, and explore explanatory factors, to address preventive measures related to use. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the frequency of, and the reasons for, DS use among university students, as well as explanatory factors for use of MEDS.MethodMale and female students from nine Norwegian universities participated in this cross-sectional study. Participants responded to questions about demographics, DS and MEDS use, internalization of body ideals, physical activity- and exercise level, motives for exercise, and exercise context. Independent t-test, Chi-square test, Pearson’s correlation, and logistic regression were used to investigate between group differences, associations, and explanatory factors for use, respectively. P-values ≤ 0.05 were defined as significant.ResultsA total of 1001 males (34%) and females, with a mean(sd) age of 24.21(4.76) years, participated. The frequency of DS use was 42% and 40% (p = .414) in males and females, respectively, in which more males than females used DS to improve physical or mental performance (p = < .001), increase muscle mass (p = < .001) and weight for health (p = .014), and improve appearance (p = < .001). In males and females, respectively, 25% and 10% used MEDS (p = < .001). In males, being a fitness center member (OR:3.80), exercising to improve muscle mass (OR:1.96), and a higher physical activity level (OR:1.09) positively explained MEDS use, while exercising to increase endurance (OR:0.49) and being an exercise science student (OR:0.47) negatively explained MEDS use. In females, internalizing the athletic body ideal (OR:1.78) and exercising to improve muscle mass (OR:1.74) positively explained MEDS use.ConclusionsOur main findings indicate that a surprisingly high percentage of male and female Norwegian students use DS and MEDS, and that reasons for use, and variables explaining the variability in frequency of use, differ between genders. Longitudinal studies to investigate direction of associations are needed in future research.

General and sport-specific weight pressures as risk factors for body dissatisfaction and disordered eating among female collegiate athletes

Female collegiate athletes are a high-risk group for disordered eating. Petrie and Greenleaf’s (2007) sociocultural model proposes that both general and sport-related weight pressures lead athletes to internalize unrealistic body ideals, ultimately resulting in body dissatisfaction and disordered eating. In this study, we used structural equation modeling to assess general and sport-specific weight pressures in relation to thin- and muscular-ideal internalization, body dissatisfaction, and disordered eating among 212 female Division I college athletes. General weight pressures from parents, peers, and the media were associated with disordered eating indirectly via thin- and muscular-ideal internalization. In contrast, sport-specific weight pressures were not associated with disordered eating in the full model. After controlling for weight pressures and body ideal internalization, body dissatisfaction was also not associated with disordered eating. These findings suggest that female athletes are vulnerable to weight- and appearance-related pressures from outside the sport context and that the mechanisms underlying the development of disordered eating may differ between athletes and non-athletes.

Reducing eating disorder risk among male athletes: A randomized controlled trial investigating the male athlete body project.

No study to date has investigated an intervention program for male athletes that targets eating disorder risk factors. The purpose of this study was to measure the effects of the Male Athlete Body Project (MABP), an adaptation of the Female Athlete Body Project on body dissatisfaction, drive for muscularity, body-ideal internalization, and muscle dysmorphia. Participants were 79 male collegiate athletes who were randomized to the MABP (n=39) or an assessment-only control condition (n=40). All participants completed psychometrically validated measures at three time points: baseline, post-treatment (3 weeks after baseline for the control condition), and 1-month follow-up. Hierarchical Linear Modeling assessed differences between conditions across time. Interaction effects revealed that participation in the MABP improved satisfaction with specific body parts and reduced drive for muscularity and body-ideal internalization at post-treatment compared to a control group. Athletes in the MABP also reported increased body areas satisfaction and reductions in drive for muscularity at 1-month follow-up. Reductions in supplement use were observed at 1-month follow-up only. This study provides preliminary evidence of the efficacy of the MABP in reducing some eating disorder risk factors up to 1 month after the intervention; follow-up study considerations are discussed. NCT04077177 PUBLIC SIGNIFICANCE: This study highlights the importance of eating disorder and body image intervention efforts for male athletes. Findings suggest that male college athletes who attended a 3-session group intervention based on a well-established program for college women experienced an increase in satisfaction with specific body areas and a reduction in some eating disorder risk factors (e.g., drive for muscularity, supplement use, and body-ideal internalization) compared to a control group.

Comportamento alimentar desordenado em praticantes de CrossFit

ABSTRACT Objective: Evaluate differences in disordered eating symptoms between men and women who practice CrossFit and to evaluate its predictors in this population. Methods: A cross-sectional study (April to June 2019) was carried out with 194 adults (103 women and 91 men) enrolled in private CrossFit boxes in Brazil, with a mean age of 30.19 years (SD = 5.34). Participants answered a sociodemographic questionnaire, the Eating Attitudes Test-26 (disordered eating), the Sociocultural Attitudes Towards Appearance Questionnaire-3 (body-ideal internalization), and the Drive for Muscularity Scale (drive for muscularity). A series of Student's t-tests was applied to test differences in disordered eating symptoms between men and women. Multiple linear regressions were conducted to evaluate predictors of disordered eating for both sexes. Results: Women showed greater disordered eating symptoms, dietary restrictions and excessive concern about thinness than men. Moreover, younger women with a higher BMI are more likely to have disordered eating symptoms. Higher drive for muscularity and greater general body-ideal internalization were also associated with disordered eating among women. In men, muscularity-oriented behavior was the only predictor of disordered eating. Conclusion: These findings are relevant, as they point out that women who practice CrossFit seem to be a high risk group for the development of eating disorders. In addition, muscularity-oriented behaviors in men and the drive for muscularity, internalization of the ideal body, BMI and age in women are predictors of disordered eating in CrossFit practitioners.

An Examination of a Dissonance-Based Body Image Promotion Intervention: A Case Study of Youth Female Soccer Players

The present case study aimed to modify, implement, and evaluate a sport-specific dissonance-based body image promotion intervention for female adolescent athletes. The case included 33 female adolescent soccer players (11–14 years old) who completed the Youth-Female Athlete Body Project, a 4-week team-based intervention. The intervention was evaluated using quantitative measures gathered pre- and postintervention and qualitative responses from focus groups that were administered 1-week postintervention. The quantitative assessments examined body-ideal internalization, aesthetic and functional body image, perceived body shape, and fat talk. Significant decreases in participants’ thin-ideal and muscular-ideal internalization as well as fat talk were found postintervention. Focus groups were conducted with a subset of participants (n = 24) to gather insight into the positives and negatives of the intervention, intervention outcomes, and recommendations for future intervention delivery. Reflections from the practitioners are provided and recommendations for effective intervention implementation from practitioners’ and participants’ perspectives are discussed.

The relationship between instagram use and body dissatisfaction, drive for thinness, and internalization of beauty ideals: a correlational study of Iranian women

ABSTRACT Body dissatisfaction, defined as a person’s negative feelings about her body appearance or weight, is a common problem among women and can lead to different health-related problems. This correlational study aimed to investigate how Instagram use is associated with body dissatisfaction, drive for thinness, and internalization of beauty ideals. A random sample of 241 Iranian women was recruited from a university of medical sciences. They were asked to complete a demographic questionnaire, an Instagram use questionnaire, the Body Dissatisfaction, and the Drive for Thinness as the subscales of the Eating Disorder Inventory, and the Internalization-General subscale of the Sociocultural Attitude Toward Appearance Questionnaire. The findings showed that Instagram use and appearance comparison with fitspiration images and the images of relatives and celebrities had significant positive relationships with body dissatisfaction, drive for thinness, and internalization of beauty ideals. Appearance comparison with the images of relatives and strangers also had significant positive relationships with the drive for thinness and the internalization of body ideals, while appearance comparison with the images of friends had a significant positive relationship with the internalization of beauty ideals. To conclude, the more frequent use of Instagram is associated with greater body image concerns among Iranian women.