An exploration of having social media influencers deliver a first-line digital intervention to improve body image among adolescent girls: A qualitative study
Nicole Paraskeva , Sharon Haywood , Farheen Hasan , Dasha Nicholls , Mireille B. Toledano , Phillippa C. Diedrichs
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
Social media influencers are popular among adolescents and could offer a unique way to reach young people at scale with body image interventions. This study explored girls’ and influencers’ views on having influencers deliver body image interventions through vlogs (video blogs) and to gain insight into their preferred format, content, and views on factors that encourage engagement with vlogs. Twenty-one UK based participants were recruited. Three online focus groups were conducted with adolescent girls (n = 16) aged 14–18 years and one with influencers (n = 5) aged 24–33 years, who had a collective following of over 1.5 million subscribers across social media platforms. Data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis and four themes were generated: Choosing an influencer whose messages and core values are aligned with the topic of body image; the importance of influencer authenticity and personal experience; collaborating on content creation with mental health professionals; and the need for long-form (i.e., 10–20 min) content to address serious topics. Findings suggest having influencers deliver body image interventions to young people could be a useful approach. Results highlight the need to engage with end users from the outset of intervention development to increase the likelihood of intervention effectiveness and engagement.
期刊介绍:
Body Image is an international, peer-reviewed journal that publishes high-quality, scientific articles on body image and human physical appearance. Body Image is a multi-faceted concept that refers to persons perceptions and attitudes about their own body, particularly but not exclusively its appearance. The journal invites contributions from a broad range of disciplines-psychological science, other social and behavioral sciences, and medical and health sciences. The journal publishes original research articles, brief research reports, theoretical and review papers, and science-based practitioner reports of interest. Dissertation abstracts are also published online, and the journal gives an annual award for the best doctoral dissertation in this field.