Media Influence and Eating Problems: The Mediating Role of Body Appreciation in Young Adults

Rehana Mushtaq PhD, Manahil Asif, Hafiza Maryam Rafique

Abstract

Media plays a significant role in the lives of young adults in terms of shaping social and cultural standards for physical appearance, which may lead to eating problems. The current study aims to explore the relationship between media influence, body appreciation, and eating problems in young adults. The sample consists of 200 university students, with an age range of 18-24 years who were sampled purposively. Participants completed the Multidimensional Media Influence Scale, Body Appreciation Scale, and Binging Eating Scale. The data was analyzed through Pearson Product Moment correlation and mediation analysis using SPSS and AMOS. The findings of the study showed that there is a significant negative relationship between media influence and body appreciation and a significant positive relationship between media influence and eating problems. Body appreciation partially mediates the relationship between media influence and eating problems. We conclude that media influence and body appreciation are important factors influencing eating problems and we need counseling services for youth enrolled at universities to prevent eating and related health and social problems from rising in the country.