Fitspiration-effect: Fitness identity of emerging adult females on social media

Abstract

Social media platforms such as the fitspiration online movement aimed at inspiring health and fitness play an important role in how women internalise health and fitness ideals in their sense of self. This qualitative study recruited 14 emerging adult females using purposive sampling. Data collection focussed on gaining insight into participants’ fitness identity and autophotography and photo elicitation were used. Thematic analysis was used to construct meaning from the data. Participants considered fitness beneficial to their physical and mental health and an important aspect of their recreation, socialisation and identity. The findings emphasised how emerging adult females balance social media discourses found in the fitspiration movement. Their journeys to establish a healthy and stable fitness identity included the value of fitness, inspiration, and upward social comparison, and the dangers of judgement and overemphasis on an ideal body and exercise regime. The process of fitness identity development is complex and especially challenging for emerging adult females who are trying to construct a sense of self while moving through a transitional developmental stage and contending with cultural discourses and social media messages that often prioritise weight loss and physical appearance over health.