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Does social media and the social environment influence health behavior

Does social media and the social environment influence health behaviors and motivation to

change?

Emerald Hamilton

Department of Psychology, Mansfield University

PSY-3306

Dr. Francis Craig

April 27, 2020

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Does social media and the social environment influence health behavior

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle as defined by eating habits and exercise.

For a person to maintain a healthy lifestyle they should maintain a balanced diet and regular

exercise in order to maintain an ideal weight and overall health. Health goes farther than just

weight however; health includes mental health and management of mental disorders. Physical

activity has both positive and negative influences on self esteem as well as depression and its

symptoms. In 2006 a study was conducted that showed physical activity does help to decrease

symptoms of depression, and while it does have a positive relationship with improved self-

esteem the correction is not significantly different. (Dishman et al.) In addition, it is important to

consider the time that has elapsed since the last time a person ate. A study done in 2018 at the

University of Bradford that showed the time in between meals and/or snacks can cause a person

to lose forces, become more upset and even lose interest in activities. The longer the span of time

between when a person eats and when they are asked to complete a focus task the harder it is for

that person to focus (Walters, Khan 2018). This can exacerbate previous mental health concerns

and can lead to negative self-thought as being unable to focus which can influence many aspects

of everyday life.

Change in behavior influenced by internal and external pressures.

Behaviors can change for many reasons a person can decide that they no longer find an activity

to be important or something they should be doing. Internal factors can include a variety of

things including Body Mass Index(BMI), as well as depression are two internal factors that have

been linked to binge eating behaviors. By looking at internal factors like mental and physical

health researchers, Mason and Lewis, where able to conclude that Those with higher BMI’s are
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Does social media and the social environment influence health behavior

more likely to engage in binge eating behaviors (2014). A study done by Leppink, Lust and

Grant was able to conclude that depression and internal mental health concern can have a

negative effect on a person and can lead to worse academic performance, less physical activity,

increased BMI and more frequent health problems. (2016).

Another factor in changing behaviors is external factors. Screen time is something most

children, adolescents and even adults part take in and can range from minimal to hours of screen

time. With ever advancing technology it appears as though people are spending more and more

time in front of screens. However, in youths examining and limiting screen time could actually

have a positive effect on their mental and physical health. Youths who reduced their screen time,

reported increased exercise and saw a decrease in symptoms of depression and an increase in

self-esteem, (Hrafnkelsdottir et al. 2018). The eternal factor of screen time influenced a person’s

behaviors and allowed them to better themselves through changes.

Peer influence on a person’s ability to change.

The opinions of others can be vital to a person’s sense of belonging whether that information

comes from a parent or per however can make a difference. A study done by Elise, Rice, William

and Klein, looked at how American teens are influenced by those around them when it came to

diet and physical activity. They found that though teens where influenced by their parents there

was a stronger pull to adhere to what their peers where doing and copy that behavior, (Elise et

al.) Peer pressure and peer opinion plays a part in the choices a person may make. A study done

by Crozier in 2019 looked at stair use in college students and proved that when posters

suggesting that everyone was taking the stair and it was the better option where displayed more

students where actively taking the stairs (Crozier). The influence of one’s peers can change a
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Does social media and the social environment influence health behavior

behavior in a person as that person attempts to assimilate with the accepted group thus creating

an ingroup and an outgroup. With people wanting to enter the ingroup they may choose to

change behaviors to align with the ingroup.

A person’s ability to change being influenced by social media.

Social media is an ever-growing platform for people to meet, connect and share it not all that

sunrising its growth in popularity. What started as two or so sights have exploded into widespread

social contact with websites and apps dedicated to all sorts of things including, pictures,

audio/video, since, memory, text and private messages and even a fair number of sites devoted

entirely to dating. Social media has become commonplace for teenagers and young adults of

todays society with new platforms being produced at neck breaking speeds. But how does social

media impact those who are frequently using it. Women more so then men are negatively affected

by social media and report feelings of social isolation a desire to connect socially but finding it

difficult to trust (Levuka, Wilson, Harre, 2016). These negative effects have come most often in

the realm of busy image and self-esteem issues, with women frequently report low body

satisfaction. In addition to social media being on a continued upward trajectory it is important to

note that many trends have become common place(Levuka). These trends focus on one thing

whether that be a diet plan, a dance, a change in behavior, or a style of portrait these trends tend to

get a lot of coverage and are followed by large number of people often using their own

personalized hashtags to keep track of the trend. A study done by Deighton-Smith and Bell (2018)

looked at one such hashtag trend which is referred to throughout their study as #thinspiration

where people post pictures of themselves pre and post weight loss or even just pictures of ideal

bodies to inspire others to lose weight. Between 2016-2018 posts based on #thinspiration topped
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Does social media and the social environment influence health behavior

6 million. These images promote unrealistic body ideals that are beyond what is achievable for

most people(Beighton-Smith et al.) .

Purpose for study.

The purpose of this study is to look at how social media focused on a newer platform, TikTok,

plays a role in the daily lives of those who choose to engage with it. Specifically, this study will

be looking at how TikTok usage level influence mental health levels of users. And how TikTok

usage level influences eating choices.

Methods

Participants

Participants were recruited from Mansfield University Psychology classes. It was at the

discretion of individuals staff member to decide if students would receive class credit or extra

credit for their participation in the study. Ideal participation would be 100 persons who

participate in the entirety of the study. The total number of participants will be broken into

smaller groups averaging around 20 persons per group.

Materials

The Materials needed for this study are, Consent forms. A questionnaire packet that includes a

demographic form, the Beck Depression Inventory, Beck Anxiety Inventory, and the Rosenberg

self-esteem Inventory. In addition, a video compilation of TikTok that showcase ideal body types

will be presented. Finally, snacks must be prepared and laid out ahead of time, this should

include, fruit and vegetable trays and an assortment of bake goods.

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Does social media and the social environment influence health behavior

The demographics questionnaire includes questions about race, ethnicity, health conditions,

age, year in school and course load, as well as whether or not they recently ate finally a question

focused on how many hours a day they spend on social media.

The Beck Depression Inventory is a twenty-one item self-reported rating inventory. That is

used to characterize and analyze depression symptoms. There have been several various forms of

the Beck Depression Inventory including online forms and a shortened thirteen question form.

For the purposes of this experiment the Full length twenty-one question form will used.

The Beck Anxiety Inventory is a 21-item multiple choice questionnaire that uses the

participants self-reported responses to determine a severity of anxiety that person may undertake.

For the purposes of this experiment this will allow the researchers to determine if a participant is

experiencing high or low anxiety.

The Rosenberg Self Esteem Inventory is a ten-item scale that evaluates the self-worth of

participants. Questions are answered using a four-point Likert scale that ranges from strongly

agree to disagree.

Procedure

Participants enter the room and sit at a desk. Each participant will receive a packet, that has been

preassigned with a number, with their consent form, demographics questionnaire, the Beck

Depression Inventory, the Beck-Anxiety Inventory and the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Inventory.

They will be asked to fill out these forms and turn to the question regarding social media. Then

on member of the research team will go around the room documenting the number of hours each

person spends on social media. Then the research must determine the middle point between the

number of hours spent viewing social media thus creating a high and low group. All participants
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Does social media and the social environment influence health behavior

above that area will mark their form as high while all under that mark will mark their form as

low. Then participants will be asked to view a short TikTok compilation video that focuses on

ideal body forms. Once the video is over participants will be asked to bring their packets forward

and hand them to a designated researcher and then choose a snack from a selection of snacks

some being healthy and others unhealth. A second participant will take note of the preassigned

number on the forms packet and the whether the snack chosen was healthy or unhealthy. All

completed forms must be stored in a private location where only researchers have access to them.

Analysis

This study utilized an experimental approach that assigned members to a fitting group. Data

should be analyzed using IBM SPSS 21.0. Using a repeated measures ANOVA with a p-value

of .05 to compare high/low TikTok usage to severity of depression, state anxiety as well as self-

esteem. In addition, using a T-test, again with a p-value of .05 to analyses how high/low Tik Tok

usage relates to snack choices whether they choose healthy or unhealthy snacks.
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Does social media and the social environment influence health behavior

Informed Consent for Research Protocol

Explanation
I hereby voluntarily consent to participate in this research protocol. In this study, I will
be watching a compilation of TikTok videos, filling out questionnaires, and eating
various snacks.

Benefits to be Expected
Contribution to understand influence of social media and health behaviors. May receive
extra credit from professors (at the discretion of individual professor).
Risks and Discomforts
Risks are low. May have discomfort answering questions but be honest because it is
confidential.
Freedom of Consent
I have read the information above and have had all my questions answered to my
satisfaction. In addition, I am aware that:
1. My name and information given will remain strictly confidential.
2. My responses will be kept in a locked cabinet in a locked room in South Hall 204.
3. I am entitled to further inquiries regarding this research.
4. I am free to withdraw from this research at any time without penalty or prejudice.
5. My signature indicates that I have received and have carefully read this consent
form.

Participant Name (Please Print Clearly)____________________________________

Date:_________________Signed:_________________________________________

The investigators of this research welcome any questions regarding the research
protocol or aspects of it. For questions or comments contact Mikayla Henry,
Aryn VanWormer, Emerald Hamilton, Rochelle Meyers at 814-203-2038 or Dr.
Craig at [email protected]
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Does social media and the social environment influence health behavior

Demographics form

1. Age: ____

2. Gender: Male Female Prefer to say

3. Year in school: Freshman Sophomore Junior Senior Other

4. Race: Caucasian Black Hispanic Asian

Other__________________________________

5. Do you eat a balanced diet? Yes No

6. Do you exercise regularly? Yes No

If Yes how many hours a week? _________

7. When was the last time you ate?_________

8. Do you actively use social media? Yes No

9. What Social Media Platforms do you use? Select all that apply.

Facebook Twitter Instagram Snapchat Pinterest TikTok

10. How many hours a week are you actively using social media? __________
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Does social media and the social environment influence health behavior

Beck Depression Inventory

Beck's Depression Inventory This depression inventory can be self-scored. The scoring scale is at the end
of the questionnaire.
1.
0 I do not feel sad.
1 I feel sad
2 I am sad all the time and I can't snap out of it.
3 I am so sad and unhappy that I can't stand it.
2.
0 I am not particularly discouraged about the future.
1 I feel discouraged about the future.
2 I feel I have nothing to look forward to.
3 I feel the future is hopeless and that things cannot improve.
3.
0 I do not feel like a failure.
1 I feel I have failed more than the average person.
2 As I look back on my life, all I can see is a lot of failures.
3 I feel I am a complete failure as a person.
4.
0 I get as much satisfaction out of things as I used to.
1 I don't enjoy things the way I used to.
2 I don't get real satisfaction out of anything anymore.
3 I am dissatisfied or bored with everything.
5.
0 I don't feel particularly guilty
1 I feel guilty a good part of the time.
2 I feel quite guilty most of the time.
3 I feel guilty all of the time.
6.
0 I don't feel I am being punished.
1 I feel I may be punished.
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Does social media and the social environment influence health behavior

2 I expect to be punished.
3 I feel I am being punished.
7.
0 I don't feel disappointed in myself.
1 I am disappointed in myself.
2 I am disgusted with myself.
3 I hate myself.
8.
0 I don't feel I am any worse than anybody else.
1 I am critical of myself for my weaknesses or mistakes.
2 I blame myself all the time for my faults.
3 I blame myself for everything bad that happens.
9.
0 I don't have any thoughts of killing myself.
1 I have thoughts of killing myself, but I would not carry them out.
2 I would like to kill myself.
3 I would kill myself if I had the chance.
10.
0 I don't cry any more than usual.
1 I cry more now than I used to.
2 I cry all the time now.
3 I used to be able to cry, but now I can't cry even though I want to.
11.
0 I am no more irritated by things than I ever was.
1 I am slightly more irritated now than usual.
2 I am quite annoyed or irritated a good deal of the time.
3 I feel irritated all the time.
12.
0 I have not lost interest in other people.
1 I am less interested in other people than I used to be.
2 I have lost most of my interest in other people.
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Does social media and the social environment influence health behavior

3 I have lost all of my interest in other people.

13.
0 I make decisions about as well as I ever could.
1 I put off making decisions more than I used to.
2 I have greater difficulty in making decisions more than I used to.
3 I can't make decisions at all anymore.
14.
0 I don't feel that I look any worse than I used to.
1 I am worried that I am looking old or unattractive.
2 I feel there are permanent changes in my appearance that make me look unattractive
3 I believe that I look ugly.
15.
0 I can work about as well as before.
1 It takes an extra effort to get started at doing something.
2 I have to push myself very hard to do anything.
3 I can't do any work at all.
16.
0 I can sleep as well as usual.
1 I don't sleep as well as I used to.
2 I wake up 1-2 hours earlier than usual and find it hard to get back to sleep.
3 I wake up several hours earlier than I used to and cannot get back to sleep.
17.
0 I don't get more tired than usual.
1 I get tired more easily than I used to.
2 I get tired from doing almost anything.
3 I am too tired to do anything.
18.
0 My appetite is no worse than usual.
1 My appetite is not as good as it used to be.
2 My appetite is much worse now.
3 I have no appetite at all anymore.
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Does social media and the social environment influence health behavior

19.
0 I haven't lost much weight, if any, lately.
1 I have lost more than five pounds.
2 I have lost more than ten pounds.
3 I have lost more than fifteen pounds.
20.
0 I am no more worried about my health than usual.
1 I am worried about physical problems like aches, pains, upset stomach, or constipation.
2 I am very worried about physical problems and it's hard to think of much else.
3 I am so worried about my physical problems that I cannot think of anything else.
21.
0 I have not noticed any recent change in my interest in sex.
1 I am less interested in sex than I used to be.
2 I have almost no interest in sex.
3 I have lost interest in sex completely.

INTERPRETING THE BECK DEPRESSION INVENTORY Now that you have completed the
questionnaire, add up the score for each of the twenty-one questions by counting the number to the right
of each question you marked. The highest possible total for the whole test would be sixty-three. This
would mean you circled number three on all twenty-one questions. Since the lowest possible score for
each question is zero, the lowest possible score for the test would be zero. This would mean you circles
zero on each question. You can evaluate your depression according to the Table below. Total
Score____________________Levels of Depression
1-10____________________These ups and downs are considered normal
11-16___________________ Mild mood disturbance
17-20___________________Borderline clinical depression
21-30___________________Moderate depression
31-40___________________Severe depression over
40__________________Extreme depression
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Does social media and the social environment influence health behavior

Beck Anxiety Inventory

Below is a list of common symptoms of anxiety. Please carefully read each item in the list. Indicate how much you
have been bothered by that symptom during the past month, including today, by circling the number in the
corresponding space in the column next to each symptom.

Not At All Mildly but it Moderately - it Severely – it

didn’t bother me wasn’t pleasant bothered me a lot
much. at times
Numbness or tingling 0 1 2 3
Feeling hot 0 1 2 3
Wobbliness in legs 0 1 2 3
Unable to relax 0 1 2 3
Fear of worst 0 1 2 3
happening
Dizzy or lightheaded 0 1 2 3
Heart pounding/racing 0 1 2 3
Unsteady 0 1 2 3
Terrified or afraid 0 1 2 3
Nervous 0 1 2 3
Feeling of choking 0 1 2 3
Hands trembling 0 1 2 3
Shaky / unsteady 0 1 2 3
Fear of losing control 0 1 2 3
Difficulty in breathing 0 1 2 3
Fear of dying 0 1 2 3
Scared 0 1 2 3
Indigestion 0 1 2 3
Faint / lightheaded 0 1 2 3
Face flushed 0 1 2 3
Hot/cold sweats 0 1 2 3
Column Sum

Scoring - Sum each column. Then sum the column totals to achieve a grand score. Write that
score here ____________ .

Interpretation
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Does social media and the social environment influence health behavior

A grand sum between 0 – 21 indicates very low anxiety. That is usually a good thing. However, it is
possible that you might be unrealistic in either your assessment which would be denial or that you have
learned to “mask” the symptoms commonly associated with anxiety. Too little “anxiety” could indicate
that you are detached from yourself, others, or your environment.

A grand sum between 22 – 35 indicates moderate anxiety. Your body is trying to tell you something.
Look for patterns as to when and why you experience the symptoms described above. For example, if it
occurs prior to public speaking and your job requires a lot of presentations you may want to find ways
to calm yourself before speaking or let others do some of the presentations. You may have some
conflict issues that need to be resolved. Clearly, it is not “panic” time, but you want to find ways to
manage the stress you feel.

A grand sum that exceeds 36 is a potential cause for concern. Again, look for patterns or times when
you tend to feel the symptoms you have circled. Persistent and high anxiety is not a sign of personal
weakness or failure. It is, however, something that needs to be proactively treated or there could be
significant impacts to you mentally and physically. You may want to consult a counselor if the feelings
persist.
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Does social media and the social environment influence health behavior

Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale

Instructions
Below is a list of statements dealing with your general feelings about yourself. Please indicate how
strongly you agree or disagree with each statement.
1. On the whole, I am satisfied with myself.

Strongly Agree Agree Disagree Strongly Disagree

2. At times I think I am no good at all.
Strongly Agree Agree Disagree Strongly Disagree
3. I feel that I have a number of good qualities.
Strongly Agree Agree Disagree Strongly Disagree
4. I am able to do things as well as most other people.
Strongly Agree Agree Disagree Strongly Disagree
5. I feel I do not have much to be proud of.
Strongly Agree Agree Disagree Strongly Disagree
6. I certainly feel useless at times.
Strongly Agree Agree Disagree Strongly Disagree
7. I feel that I'm a person of worth, at least on an equal plane with others.
Strongly Agree Agree Disagree Strongly Disagree
8. I wish I could have more respect for myself.
Strongly Agree Agree Disagree Strongly Disagree
9. All in all, I am inclined to feel that I am a failure.
Strongly Agree Agree Disagree Strongly Disagree
10. I take a positive attitude toward myself.
Strongly Agree Agree Disagree Strongly Disagree
Scoring:
Items 2, 5, 6, 8, 9 are reverse scored. Give “Strongly Disagree” 1 point, “Disagree” 2 points, “Agree” 3
points, and “Strongly Agree” 4 points. Sum scores for all ten items. Keep scores on a continuous scale.
Higher scores indicate higher self-esteem.
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Does social media and the social environment influence health behavior

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Anxiety-Inventroy.pdf

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Depression-Inventory-BDI.pdf

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https://fetzer.org/sites/default/files/images/stories/pdf/selfmeasures/Self_Measures_for_Self-

Esteem_ROSENBERG_SELF-ESTEEM.pdf