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Exploration of Use and Perceptions of Exercise-Related Fitness Pages on Social Networking Sites: Impact on Appearance Motivation

Welker, Kristen
http://orcid.org/0000-0001-7173-056X
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1524570413689677

Abstract Details

2018, PhD, University of Cincinnati, Education, Criminal Justice, and Human Services: Health Education.
This dissertation consists of two studies. Study one explored qualitatively the uses and perceptions of fitspiration pages on social networking sites in college women. Study two examined relationships between exercise behaviors, body dissatisfaction, use of fitspiration pages on social networking sites and appearance motivation for exercise. Study One Abstract Background. Social networking sites (e.g., Facebook, Instagram) are a popular way of spending time online, and “fitspiration” pages, or pages dedicated to fitness inspiration, are becoming increasingly present. This exploratory study sought to learn more about the ways in which college women used fitspiration pages on social networking sites, and their perceptions of these pages. Methods. A focus group of six female college students discussed fitspiration pages. Results. Four themes emerged from the data: fitspiration pages are not always believable, fitspiration pages can promote body acceptance, fitspiration pages can be motivating or de-motivating, and there are many reasons for using fitspiration pages. Discussion. Participants reported that pages could be useful. They placed trust in pages that depicted models who looked “real”, presenting women of many body types. Results provided insight into the ways fitspiration is used by college women. Future studies should explore ways in which viewing fitspiration pages influence health behaviors. Study Two Abstract Background. Previous research has identified a relationship between viewing fitspiration pages, body dissatisfaction and appearance-motivated exercise. This study explored the relations among demographic factors, use of fitspiration pages, body dissatisfaction, BMI, number of days exercised in a week, and appearance motivation. Methods. A survey was developed and administered to college students. Results. About half (n = 204) of the students viewed fitspiration pages, typically for about one to ten minutes daily. Those students with higher appearance motivation to exercise spent time viewing pages. Body dissatisfaction was related to increased appearance motivation to exercise. Body mass index was related to appearance motivation for males, but not females. Discussion. Results indicated that viewing fitspiration pages, and body dissatisfaction, may positively influence appearance motivation for exercise. This study provides additional support for the need to include college-age students in conversations of appearance motivation and body dissatisfaction.
Laura Nabors, Ph.D. (Committee Chair)
Amy Bernard, Ph.D. (Committee Member)
Rebecca Vidourek, Ph.D. (Committee Member)
75 p.
Health Education
Appearance motivation; Exercise motivation; Fitspiration; Social networking sites; Body dissatisfaction

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Welker, K. (2018). Exploration of Use and Perceptions of Exercise-Related Fitness Pages on Social Networking Sites: Impact on Appearance Motivation [Doctoral dissertation, University of Cincinnati]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1524570413689677

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Welker, Kristen. Exploration of Use and Perceptions of Exercise-Related Fitness Pages on Social Networking Sites: Impact on Appearance Motivation. 2018. University of Cincinnati, Doctoral dissertation. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1524570413689677.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Welker, Kristen. "Exploration of Use and Perceptions of Exercise-Related Fitness Pages on Social Networking Sites: Impact on Appearance Motivation." Doctoral dissertation, University of Cincinnati, 2018. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1524570413689677

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

ucin1524570413689677
386
© 2018, all rights reserved.
This open access ETD is published by University of Cincinnati and OhioLINK.