Postpartum Body Dissatisfaction: Exploring Social Media Usage and Impact on Postpartum Mental Health

Asel Ali Nasr

For many new mothers, the postpartum period is a vulnerable time for experiencing body dissatisfaction. Currently, little research has been conducted to evaluate the association between social media usage and body image dissatisfaction during the postpartum period. This project aims to examine the impact of frequent social media usage on body dissatisfaction during the postpartum period. The long-term goal of this work is to inform the development of future interventions to educate mothers on weight and body changes throughout pregnancy, as well as find ways to enhance their postpartum self-esteem.A cross sectional online survey was dispersed to recruit women ages 18-35 who were 0-6 months postpartum. Measures include a socio-demographic survey to assess age, marital status, educational level, household net income. As well as pregnancy- and postpartum-related information (weeks’ gestation at birth, mode of delivery (vaginal or cesarean section), breastfeeding status) and weight related information, including pre-pregnancy, total gestational weight gain, current weight status, and prenatal visit related information. Social media use was measured using the social media frequency questionnaire. A modified version of the Physical appearance comparison scale (PACS), the Stunkard figure rating scale, and the Body Image Disturbance Questionnaire (BIDQ) were used to measure body dissatisfaction.Participants (n=103) were mostly non-Hispanic (89.22%) white (78.43%) with a median age of 30. Participants reported using Facebook (95%), Instagram (86%), TikTok (47%), and Twitter (29%). The frequency of social media use scores ranges from 0 to 16. The mean frequency was 5.6 (SD=3.4). The range of scores for depressive symptoms was 0 to 25. The mean score for depressive symptoms is 9.19 (SD=5.9). The range of scores for physical appearance comparisons was 16 to 80. The mean score was 52.8 (SD=14.92). The range of scores for body dissatisfaction was 7 to 35. The mean score was 18.2 (SD=6.6). Findings show a positive association between frequent social media use and body dissatisfaction (p<0.001) as well as a strong positive correlation between body dissatisfaction and depressive symptoms, (p <.001). As expected, the association between body dissatisfaction and physical appearance comparisons was significant (p <.001).This project aids in understanding how social media use is associated with body dissatisfaction. The findings for this study may inform the development of interventions during pregnancy or to provide resources for expecting mothers to give them more realistic expectations of what to expect in the postpartum period in order to buffer the effects of body dissatisfaction on mental health outcomes.

Postpartum Body Dissatisfaction: Exploring Social Media Usage and Impact on Postpartum Mental Health

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