Longitudinal associations between appearance evaluation during video chat and body image concerns: A test of the “Perfect Storm” framework

Abstract

Body image development is a critical task of adolescence, necessitating the study of experiences that shape how adolescents perceive their appearance. Video chatting is one such experience, as default self-view settings render an environment in which one’s physical appearance is highly salient. Although numerous studies have examined how digital technology use relates to body image, few have examined video chatting, especially longitudinally. Research is also needed examining how self-oriented digital experiences may indirectly relate to mental health via body image concerns. This three-wave longitudinal study examined bidirectional associations between self-reported appearance evaluation during video chat, body image concerns (appearance esteem and self-objectification), and depressive symptoms among a socio- and ethnically-diverse sample of early-to-middle adolescents (N = 1157, M_age = 13.14, 53 % girls, 47% boys). Bidirectional associations emerged for both boys and girls, in which appearance evaluation during video chat was linked with lower appearance esteem and greater self-objectification. Both appearance esteem and self-objectification mediated the longitudinal association between appearance evaluation during video chat and depressive symptoms. Findings suggest that appearance evaluation during video chat may have important long-term associations with body image and mental health, which future research should explore further, particularly with objective assessments of self-focused attention during video chat.