Abstract

SILVA, Ana Flávia; JAPUR, Camila  and  PENAFORTE, Fernanda. Motivation to follow fitness instagram profiles and body self-image repercussions: qualitative study. Psic., Saúde & Doenças [online]. 2023, vol.24, n.2, pp.758-767.  Epub Oct 31, 2023. ISSN 1645-0086.  https://doi.org/10.15309/23psd240228.

The ideal body standards outspread by social media stands out in fitness Instagram profile. Only a few qualitative analysis studies have assessed the motivation that lead young women followers to follow such profiles and the repercussions that these profiles have on the perception and satisfaction of body self-image. Therefore, the objective of the present study is to evaluate such outcomes. Interviews were conducted with female undergraduate students who are regular followers of the Brazilian fitness Instagram profile. Data were subjected to thematic content analysis. Reports have shown that, nowadays, the female ideal body should be lean, have aesthetically pleasing muscles and lack of masculine features. Such body shape is sold as easily achievable by everyone as long as followers have dedication and willpower. Reasons for following such profiles lie on the encouragement and inspiration bloggers provide to their followers. However, the followers themselves suffer and are frustrated with their inability to reproduce what fitness profiles preachIt is concluded that followers of fitness profiles on Instagram are influenced by the content of these profiles, which seem to negatively (re)construct the perception and satisfaction with body self-image.

Keywords : Social media; Self-image; Qualitative Study.

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