Social media and body image dissatisfaction among nursing undergraduate students in Southern Brazil
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.33159/25959484.repen.2026v37a05enKeywords:
Body dissatisfaction, Students, Nursing, Body image, Mental Health, PsychometricsAbstract
Objective: To analyze the perceived influence of social networks on body image satisfaction among nursing students. Methods: An analytical, cross-sectional study conducted with nursing students from two universities in southern Brazil in 2023. Data collection included sociodemographic and health variables, the BSQ scale, the Stunkard Silhouette Scale (ESS), and a measure of perception of social networks. A significance level of 5% and a sample power of 99% were adopted for 175 participants. Results: The mean BMI was 24.42; 54.3% did not engage in physical activity; 45.2% were moderately concerned about their body image. A linear association was observed between increased BMI and the perception that social networks influence the search for body image satisfaction. Conclusion: The pursuit of an ideal body influenced by social networks can generate dissatisfaction, especially among women with negative feelings about their body image.
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