Examining the Relationship Between Instagram Use, Appearance Anxiety, and Psychological Flexibility

Abstract

In the last decade, social media use has grown exponentially, with Instagram becoming one of the most prominently used platforms. The effects Instagram has on its users have been widely researched, but there are still essential issues that are untouched. This study assesses the relationship between Instagram use, appearance anxiety, and psychological flexibility. Instagram is especially chosen due to its focus on images, with trends on creating and consuming ideal body images that have been found to promote body dissatisfaction. In combination, testing participant psychological flexibility could give indication of possible treatments as it is one of the key elements in ACT. Participants were found through a convenience sample and were provided a link to a Google Form survey. The data analysis includes a descriptive and correlational analysis. The major findings of this study are as follows: a moderately positive correlation between passive Instagram use and use intensity, weak correlation between intensity and appearance anxiety, and moderate positive correlation between appearance anxiety and psychological flexibility. Although, there were several limitations that should be duly noted.