The case for body positivity on social media: Perspectives on current advances and future directions

Cohen, Rachel; Newton-John, Toby; Slater, Amy

Abstract

In recent years, the body positive movement has emerged on social media and has generated both support and criticism in pop-cultural discourse. We review the potential benefits and disadvantages of ‘body positivity’ on social media in light of theory and the available research. Based on early evidence showing potential benefits of engaging with body positive content on social media for positive body image, a case is made in support of this emerging content. Nevertheless, recommendations are made for future research with an emphasis on experimental and longitudinal investigations of actual health outcomes of engaging with body positivity on social media, and clarification of the potential relationship between body positivity and objectification.

Citation

Cohen, R., Newton-John, T., & Slater, A. (2021). The case for body positivity on social media: Perspectives on current advances and future directions. Journal of Health Psychology, 26(13), 2365-2373. https://doi.org/10.1177/1359105320912450

• Journal Article Type: Commentary
• Acceptance Date: Feb 20, 2020
• Online Publication Date: Mar 19, 2020
• Publication Date: Nov 1, 2021
• Deposit Date: Mar 18, 2020
• Publicly Available Date: Mar 24, 2020
• Journal: Journal of Health Psychology
• Print ISSN: 1359-1053
• Electronic ISSN: 1461-7277
• Publisher: SAGE Publications
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 26
• Issue: 13
• Pages: 2365-2373
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/1359105320912450
• Keywords: body image, culture, eating disorders, health promotion, obesity, social media, women’s health
• Public URL: https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/5688232