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A Longitudinal and Comparative Content Analysis of Instagram Fitness Posts

Author

Listed:
  • Jacqueline Ahrens

    (Department of Clinical and Health Psychology, School of Health in Social Science, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH8 9YL, UK
    These authors contributed equally to this work.)

  • Fiona Brennan

    (Department of Clinical and Health Psychology, School of Health in Social Science, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH8 9YL, UK
    These authors contributed equally to this work.)

  • Sarah Eaglesham

    (Department of Clinical and Health Psychology, School of Health in Social Science, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH8 9YL, UK
    These authors contributed equally to this work.)

  • Audrey Buelo

    (Scottish Collaboration for Public Health Research and Policy, School of Health in Social Science, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH8 9YL, UK)

  • Yvonne Laird

    (Prevention Research Collaboration, School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney 2006, Australia
    Charles Perkins Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney 2006, Australia)

  • Jillian Manner

    (Scottish Collaboration for Public Health Research and Policy, School of Health in Social Science, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH8 9YL, UK)

  • Emily Newman

    (Department of Clinical and Health Psychology, School of Health in Social Science, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH8 9YL, UK)

  • Helen Sharpe

    (Department of Clinical and Health Psychology, School of Health in Social Science, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH8 9YL, UK)

Abstract

Body dissatisfaction is among the most common mental health challenges experienced by women and has been identified as a risk factor for disordered eating. Research has found that exposure to social media images depicting thin, muscular bodies, often dubbed ‘fitspiration’, may contribute to body dissatisfaction. Image-centred social media platforms, such as Instagram, have rising popularity among adolescents and young adults. However, little is known about the content of images produced by different fitness-related sources, such as those from fitness brands compared with individual users, and how fitness content on social media is evolving over time. This study sought to determine whether Instagram content varied between female fitness influencers and brands and how this content changed between 2019 and 2021. A longitudinal content analysis was conducted on a sample of 400 Instagram images using a coding scheme developed specifically for this project. The scheme coded images for fit ideal body depiction, fitness focus, objectification, and sexualisation. Chi-square tests indicated that female fitness influencer content was more sexualised and portrayed more of the fit ideal, while fitness brands produced more Instagram content with a fitness focus. There were no significant overall longitudinal changes for any of the four key variables. However, when looking at longitudinal changes by account type, fitness-focused influencer content increased while fitness-focused brand content decreased over time. These findings highlight discernible differences in content produced by different Instagram account types. It points future research towards the consideration of potential moderating factors, such as account type, when exploring the impact of social media images on body image and mental health.

Suggested Citation

  • Jacqueline Ahrens & Fiona Brennan & Sarah Eaglesham & Audrey Buelo & Yvonne Laird & Jillian Manner & Emily Newman & Helen Sharpe, 2022. "A Longitudinal and Comparative Content Analysis of Instagram Fitness Posts," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(11), pages 1-13, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2022:i:11:p:6845-:d:831062
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Freeman, B. & Kelly, B. & Baur, L. & Chapman, K. & Chapman, S. & Gill, T. & King, L., 2014. "Digital junk: Food and beverage marketing on facebook," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 104(12), pages 56-64.
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    1. Chin-Cheng Yang & Wan-Chi Jackie Hsu & Chung-Shu Yeh & Yu-Sheng Lin, 2024. "A Hybrid Model for Fitness Influencer Competency Evaluation Framework," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(3), pages 1-23, February.
    2. Engel, Elena & Gell, Sascha & Heiss, Raffael & Karsay, Kathrin, 2024. "Social media influencers and adolescents’ health: A scoping review of the research field," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 340(C).
    3. Chaniporn Thampanichwat & Suphat Bunyarittikit & Chumporn Moorapun & Prima Phaibulputhipong, 2023. "A Content Analysis of Architectural Atmosphere Influencing Mindfulness through the Lens of Instagram," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(13), pages 1-19, June.

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