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Impact of COVID-19 on negative body image: Evidence based on social media data

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  • Ji, Xinyu
  • Zhan, Taotao
  • Zhu, Tingshao

Abstract

Body experiences and conditions bear close relations to social development and human well-being. However, no consensus has been reached regarding the impact of coronavirus disease 2019 on negative body image. Investigating a reliable relationship between COVID-19 and negative body image, we developed a dictionary of negative body image to obtain panel data on body image for 31 Chinese provinces/municipalities/autonomous regions. We compared negative body image before and after the pandemic and explored the impact of pandemic severity. The prevalence of negative body image decreased following the outbreak and remained at a relatively low level for two years. After controlling regional and temporal effects, we verified epidemic severity as an important predictor of the decline in negative body image. The findings suggest that the public is likely to accept their physical appearances during lockdown due to changes in lifestyle and the fear of mortality. This research has important implications for gaining insights into the dynamic transformation of public negative body image under the influence of catastrophic public health events.

Suggested Citation

  • Ji, Xinyu & Zhan, Taotao & Zhu, Tingshao, 2024. "Impact of COVID-19 on negative body image: Evidence based on social media data," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 340(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:socmed:v:340:y:2024:i:c:s0277953623008183
    DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2023.116461
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Elisha Starick & Vanessa Montemarano & Stephanie E. Cassin, 2021. "Coping during COVID-19: The Impact of Cognitive Appraisal on Problem Orientation, Coping Behaviors, Body Image, and Perceptions of Eating Behaviors and Physical Activity during the Pandemic," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(21), pages 1-11, October.
    2. He Li & Yujin Han & Yunyu Xiao & Xingyun Liu & Ang Li & Tingshao Zhu, 2021. "Suicidal Ideation Risk and Socio-Cultural Factors in China: A Longitudinal Study on Social Media from 2010 to 2018," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(3), pages 1-12, January.
    3. Zeyu Liu & Huijun Geng & Hao Chen & Meng Zhu & Tingshao Zhu, 2020. "Exploring the Mechanisms of Influence on COVID-19 Preventive Behaviors in China’s Social Media Users," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(23), pages 1-14, November.
    4. Yujin Han & He Li & Yunyu Xiao & Ang Li & Tingshao Zhu, 2021. "Influential Path of Social Risk Factors toward Suicidal Behavior—Evidence from Chinese Sina Weibo Users 2013–2018," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(5), pages 1-14, March.
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