Dissertations
Date of Award
Summer 9-17-2025
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Department
Mental Health Counseling, School of
College
Pharmacy and Health Sciences, College of
First Advisor
Dr. Janet Hicks
Second Advisor
Dr. Olivia Bentley
Third Advisor
Dr. Jessica Tyler
Abstract
This qualitative study aimed to understand young women’s experience using social media and their reported mental health connections, such as self-esteem and comparison. As inferred in recent research, a wide range of social media content is being produced and consumed, from promoting the “thin ideal” to newer campaigns advocating for body positivity (Cohen et al., 2019, Grabe et al., 2008; Groesz et al., 2002). In a time where there is so much online content to consume, it is important to continue to evaluate the lived experiences of those using social media. This phenomenological qualitative research captured the lived experiences of young women between the ages of 18 and 28 who report using social media daily, as expressed through interviews, thereby allowing them the space to share their experiences. This is important to make space for participants to have the freedom to explore in what ways they are experiencing negative or positive mental health effects from daily social media use.
Recommended Citation
Oakley, Olivia Dr., "Experiences with Social Media Social Comparison in Women Ages 18-28: A Qualitative Study" (2025). Dissertations. 2.
https://repository.belmont.edu/mhc_dissertations/2
Included in
Clinical and Medical Social Work Commons, Community Health Commons, Counselor Education Commons, Other Mental and Social Health Commons, Psychiatric and Mental Health Commons, Social Media Commons, Women's Health Commons
