The Impact of Social Media on Appearance Anxiety Among High School Girls: Influencing Factors and Intervention Strategies
Professor Introduction
S. Y | Ph.D. in Educational Psychology and Research Methodology
Home Institute： Purdue University
[ Research Areas ] AI education (ChatGPT), talent development, STEM education, mental health and wellness, academic self-efficacy, sense of belonging, quantitative and qualitative research methods.
[ Additional Experience ] Current Researcher in Program Evaluation at Yale University; former Lecturer and Teaching Assistant at Purdue University (taught quantitative data analysis and education courses to doctoral students).Recipient of the American Mensa Foundation Outstanding Research Award, the American Educational Research Association Outstanding Doctoral Award, and various research awards and project funds from Purdue University.
[ Publications ] Member and reviewer for the American Psychological Association and the American Educational Research Association, reviewer for multiple SSCI journals.Numerous international conference presentations, several SSCI journal publications, and multiple papers are under review.
Project Description
This study focuses on the mechanisms and consequences of social media's impact on appearance anxiety among high school girls aged 14 to 18. By analyzing a broad sample spanning different socioeconomic backgrounds, the research aims to delve into the relationship between social media usage patterns, types of content encountered, and appearance anxiety. Research methods will include designing questionnaires, conducting face-to-face interviews, and organizing focus group discussions to gather multi-dimensional data on how high school girls perceive and cope with appearance standards and pressures on social media. The findings are expected to provide strategies for schools, families, and society to help adolescents use social media more healthily, foster positive self-perception, and enhance overall well-being. Ultimately, this study aims to offer scientific evidence for developing relevant policies and intervention programs to mitigate the negative effects of social media on teenagers.
Project Keywords
Project Outline
Part 1: Introduction to Social Media and Appearance Anxiety
• Overview of fundamental concepts in social media and appearance anxiety.
• Key principles and historical context of social media studies.
• Applications and relevance to current psychological and educational research.
Part 2: Theoretical Frameworks
• Exploration of theories related to social media influence, body image, and adolescent psychology.
• Examination of psychological variables (e.g., self-esteem, peer pressure).
• Discussion on the role of social comparison and media literacy.
Part 3: Literature Review
• In-depth reading and analysis of existing literature on the impact of social media on appearance anxiety among high school girls.
• Identification of major viewpoints and debates in current research.
• Discussion on research gaps and the significance of this study.
Part 4: Research Methods
• Introduction to quantitative and qualitative research methods used in social media and appearance anxiety studies.
• Techniques for designing questionnaires, conducting interviews, and organizing focus groups.
• Practical exercises to develop research skills.
Part 5: Data Collection and Analysis
• Designing and distributing questionnaires to gather data on social media usage patterns and appearance anxiety.
• Conducting face-to-face interviews and focus group discussions for in-depth insights.
• Analyzing collected data using statistical and qualitative analysis methods.
Part 6: Case Studies and Real-World Examples
• Comparative analysis of appearance anxiety levels in high school girls with different social media usage patterns.
• Examination of how social and psychological factors influence appearance anxiety.
• Discussion on policy implications and best practices.
Part 7: Empirical Results and Discussion
• Presentation and interpretation of research findings.
• Discussion of the significance and impact of findings.
• Identification of research limitations and suggestions for improvement.
Part 8: Intervention Strategies and Policy Recommendations
• Development of intervention strategies based on research findings.
• Discussion on how to improve media literacy and promote positive self-perception.
• Practical suggestions for schools, families, and policymakers.
Part 9: Future Research Directions
• Discussion of current trends and challenges in social media and appearance anxiety research.
• Identification of open problems and future research directions.
• Encouragement for student-led research projects.
Part 10: Conclusion and Summary
• Summary of the main findings and conclusions.
• Discussion of contributions to psychology and education research.
• Recommendations for future research and practice.
Part 11: Research Paper and Presentation
• Guidance on writing a well-structured research paper.
• Tips for effective academic writing.
• Instructions on preparing and delivering an engaging oral presentation.
Suitable for
High School Students:
• Interested in psychology, education, and social media research, preparing for advanced studies or competitions.
• Basic knowledge of psychological and educational principles.
University Students:
• Majoring in psychology, education, or related fields, seeking to deepen understanding and engage in research.
• Familiar with basic psychological theories and educational concepts.
