Exploring relationships between perfectionism and Instagram use on body image concerns and the use of body modification strategies in men

Abstract

Social media has been associated with a variety of negative psychological and physical consequences (Varsani & Diedrichs, 2017). The current study is used to extend previous research conducted by Bolt and Arpin-Cribbie (2018), which noted a significant relationship between trait perfectionism and Instagram (IG) use on body image concerns. Although research in this area has primarily focused on vulnerability factors in women, current literature findings are used to suggest that the prevalence of body image concerns in men has increased significantly in recent years. A sample of 232 men recruited from popular social networking sites (SNSs) and a northern Ontario university took part in a study that examined the relationship between IG use and perfectionism, and their associations with body image concerns and body modification strategies in men. Participants completed an online survey assessing perfectionism, IG use, body satisfaction, appearance orientation (AO), fitness orientation(FO), the drive for muscularity (DFM) and the use of appearance and performance enhancing substances (APESs). In general, high IG users who were also higher in trait perfectionism (i.e., socially prescribed perfectionism [SPP] and self-oriented perfectionism [SOP]) reported a greater DFM and were also more likely to endorse the use of APESs. Positive associations were noted between both facets of trait perfectionism and AO, whereas only SOP was positively associated with FO. Higher IG use was also positively associated with FO and AO. Overall, these findings can be used to suggest that men with elevated trait perfectionism are particularly vulnerable to experiencing a high DFM accompanied by the use of APESs when they engage in high IG use.