STATISTICAL ANALYSIS FOR THE STUDY “Social media use and body image among young adults: the Moderating role of self-affirmation” VER2

Authors
Affiliations

Rita Therese Manuel

Graduate School, University of Santo Tomas Master of Arts in Psychology, Major in Clinical Psychology

Nefriend Francisco

Statistician

Published

May 12, 2025

Research objectives

The proposed study sets to find out if self-affirmation moderates the relationship between social media use and body image of young adults. Specifically, it will answer the following questions:

  1. What is the amount of social media use and the level of body image among young adults?

  2. What is the commonly used spontaneous self-affirmation subscales among young adults?

  3. Is there a significant relationship between social media use and body image?

  4. Does self-affirmation moderate the relationship between social media use and body image?

Summary of statistical methods to be used per objective

  1. What is the amount of social media use and the level of body image among young adults?
    🔹 Statistical Method: Descriptive Statistics
    🔹 Purpose: To summarize the average (mean), variability (standard deviation), and distribution (frequency, percentage) of social media use and body image scores.

  2. What is the commonly used spontaneous self-affirmation subscales among young adults?
    🔹 Statistical Method: Descriptive Statistics (Frequencies and Percentages per Subscale)
    🔹 Purpose: To identify which self-affirmation subscales are most frequently reported or rated highest by participants.

  3. Is there a significant relationship between social media use and body image?
    🔹 Statistical Method: Spearmank rank Correlation Coefficient
    🔹 Purpose: To determine the strength and direction of the linear relationship between social media use and body image.

  4. Does self-affirmation moderate the relationship between social media use and body image?
    🔹 Statistical Method: Moderation Analysis via Multiple Linear Regression (with interaction term)
    🔹 Purpose: To assess if the effect of social media use on body image depends on the level of self-affirmation.

Data

Descriptive Statistics

Socio-demographic Characteristics of respondents

Data shows that from 511 valid samples, the median age is 29 yrs old, where majority are female (72%), employed (68%) and are college graduates (46%).

Table 1. Socio-Demographic Characteristics
Characteristic N = 5111
Age 29 (22, 35)
    (Missing) 1
Gender
    Female 369 (72%)
    Male 137 (27%)
    Transgender 1 (0.2%)
    Bisexual 1 (0.2%)
    Prefer not to respond 2 (0.4%)
    Non-binary / Non-conforming 1 (0.2%)
Occupation
    Employed 346 (68%)
    Unemployed 107 (21%)
    Student 41 (8.0%)
    Self-employed 17 (3.3%)
Educational Attainment
    Bachelor's Degree 4 (0.8%)
    Postgraduate 1 (0.2%)
    Postgraduate (Master’s/Doctorate) 125 (24%)
    College Graduate (Bachelor’s Degree) 236 (46%)
    Undergraduate (College Level) 145 (28%)
1 Median (Q1, Q3); n (%)

Objective 1.a: What is the amount of social media use among young adults

Social media used

Majority of the respondents use Facebook (97%), Youtube (66%), TikTok (61%) and Instagram (58%).

Table 2. Distribution by social media used1
Social Media Used n percent (%)
Facebook 498 97
Youtube 335 66
Tiktok 310 61
Instagram 297 58
X (Formerly Twitter) 96 19
Linkedin 41 8
others 16 3
1 Total exceeds number of respondents as multiple answers were allowed.

Social networking time use scale

The following are the mean and median scores for each item on the Social Networking Time Use Scale (SONTUS).

Table 3. Summary statistics on Social netowrking time use scale items
Characteristic N = 511
When you are at a seminar/workshop or training program
    Median (Q1, Q3) 2.00 (1.00, 3.00)
    Mean (SD) 2.00 (1.15)
    Min, Max 1.00, 4.00
When you are at home sitting idly
    Median (Q1, Q3) 3.00 (2.00, 4.00)
    Mean (SD) 2.81 (1.23)
    Min, Max 1.00, 4.00
When you need to reduce your mental stress
    Median (Q1, Q3) 3.00 (1.00, 4.00)
    Mean (SD) 2.68 (1.23)
    Min, Max 1.00, 4.00
When you go to the stadium to watch football, basketball etc.
    Median (Q1, Q3) 1.00 (1.00, 3.00)
    Mean (SD) 1.85 (1.05)
    Min, Max 1.00, 4.00
When you are doing school or job-related assignment at home
    Median (Q1, Q3) 2.00 (1.00, 3.00)
    Mean (SD) 2.36 (1.18)
    Min, Max 1.00, 4.00
When you are waiting for someone (e.g.,friends) either in their house or at a pre- arranged place
    Median (Q1, Q3) 3.00 (1.00, 4.00)
    Mean (SD) 2.69 (1.21)
    Min, Max 1.00, 4.00
When you are listening to music, radio, religious lectures etc.
    Median (Q1, Q3) 3.00 (1.00, 4.00)
    Mean (SD) 2.55 (1.21)
    Min, Max 1.00, 4.00
When you have gone through a lot of stress
    Median (Q1, Q3) 3.00 (1.00, 4.00)
    Mean (SD) 2.73 (1.22)
    Min, Max 1.00, 4.00
When you are in a meeting
    Median (Q1, Q3) 1.00 (1.00, 3.00)
    Mean (SD) 1.83 (1.03)
    Min, Max 1.00, 4.00
When you are in the class receiving lecture
    Median (Q1, Q3) 1.00 (1.00, 2.00)
    Mean (SD) 1.76 (1.03)
    Min, Max 1.00, 4.00
When you need to maintain contact with existing friends
    Median (Q1, Q3) 2.00 (1.00, 4.00)
    Mean (SD) 2.41 (1.18)
    Min, Max 1.00, 4.00
When you are in bed about to sleep
    Median (Q1, Q3) 3.00 (1.00, 4.00)
    Mean (SD) 2.68 (1.22)
    Min, Max 1.00, 4.00
When you are reading in the library for academic purpose e.g., recommended text for class
    Median (Q1, Q3) 1.00 (1.00, 3.00)
    Mean (SD) 1.92 (1.10)
    Min, Max 1.00, 4.00
When you are at a place to repair your car, house appliances, etc.
    Median (Q1, Q3) 2.00 (1.00, 3.00)
    Mean (SD) 2.14 (1.21)
    Min, Max 1.00, 4.00
When you need to reduce your emotional stress
    Median (Q1, Q3) 3.00 (1.00, 4.00)
    Mean (SD) 2.64 (1.23)
    Min, Max 1.00, 4.00
When you want to reduce the pressure of your daily routines
    Median (Q1, Q3) 3.00 (1.00, 4.00)
    Mean (SD) 2.62 (1.21)
    Min, Max 1.00, 4.00
When you are at a social gathering like wedding ceremony, birthday party, reception etc.
    Median (Q1, Q3) 2.00 (1.00, 3.00)
    Mean (SD) 2.22 (1.13)
    Min, Max 1.00, 4.00
When you need to communicate with your families and friends
    Median (Q1, Q3) 3.00 (2.00, 4.00)
    Mean (SD) 2.78 (1.22)
    Min, Max 1.00, 4.00
When you are sitting in a religious place (e.g., church, mosque) and activities like sermon or prayer is yet to start
    Median (Q1, Q3) 1.00 (1.00, 2.00)
    Mean (SD) 1.64 (1.00)
    Min, Max 1.00, 4.00
When you need to find out more about people you met offline
    Median (Q1, Q3) 2.00 (1.00, 3.00)
    Mean (SD) 2.21 (1.18)
    Min, Max 1.00, 4.00
When you are in the company of friends/family/colleagues having fun
    Median (Q1, Q3) 2.00 (1.00, 3.00)
    Mean (SD) 2.10 (1.15)
    Min, Max 1.00, 4.00
When you are watching TV, news, football, films, sports, etc.
    Median (Q1, Q3) 2.00 (1.00, 3.00)
    Mean (SD) 2.17 (1.17)
    Min, Max 1.00, 4.00
When you go to the cinema house to watch movie(s)
    Median (Q1, Q3) 1.00 (1.00, 3.00)
    Mean (SD) 1.83 (1.07)
    Min, Max 1.00, 4.00
When you are a passenger in a car/bus/train for at least 2 min
    Median (Q1, Q3) 2.00 (1.00, 3.00)
    Mean (SD) 2.24 (1.20)
    Min, Max 1.00, 4.00
When you need to find people, you haven�t seen for a while
    Median (Q1, Q3) 2.00 (1.00, 4.00)
    Mean (SD) 2.39 (1.18)
    Min, Max 1.00, 4.00
When you are waiting for your boss in her office for at least 2 min when she is not attending to you
    Median (Q1, Q3) 2.00 (1.00, 3.00)
    Mean (SD) 2.01 (1.13)
    Min, Max 1.00, 4.00
When you are trying to forget your financial challenges
    Median (Q1, Q3) 2.00 (1.00, 4.00)
    Mean (SD) 2.40 (1.20)
    Min, Max 1.00, 4.00
When you are online doing school or job- related works e.g., project, homework
    Median (Q1, Q3) 2.00 (1.00, 4.00)
    Mean (SD) 2.43 (1.23)
    Min, Max 1.00, 4.00
Watching academic- related video lectures or those related to your job
    Median (Q1, Q3) 3.00 (1.00, 4.00)
    Mean (SD) 2.57 (1.26)
    Min, Max 1.00, 4.00

Social networking time use scale components

In scoring SONTUS, five component scores are derived. These scores are summed to produce a global score on social networking time use.

Table 4a. Summary statistics on Social netowrking time use scale Components
Computed component SUM
Characteristic N = 511
Component 1: Relaxation and free periods (Sum)
    Median (Q1, Q3) 22 (15, 28)
    Mean (SD) 21 (8)
    Min, Max 9, 36
Component 2: Academic related periods (Sum)
    Median (Q1, Q3) 13.0 (8.0, 18.0)
    Mean (SD) 13.0 (5.5)
    Min, Max 6.0, 24.0
Component 3: Public places-related use (Sum)
    Median (Q1, Q3) 9.0 (5.0, 12.0)
    Mean (SD) 9.4 (4.2)
    Min, Max 5.0, 20.0
Component 4: Stress related periods (Sum)
    Median (Q1, Q3) 14.0 (8.0, 18.0)
    Mean (SD) 13.1 (5.4)
    Min, Max 5.0, 20.0
Component 5: Motives for use (Sum)
    Median (Q1, Q3) 10.0 (6.0, 13.0)
    Mean (SD) 9.8 (4.1)
    Min, Max 4.0, 16.0
Table 4b. Summary statistics on Social netowrking time use scale Components
Equivalent component SCORE
Characteristic N = 511
Component 1: Relaxation and free periods (Score)
    Median (Q1, Q3) 4.00 (2.00, 5.00)
    Mean (SD) 3.78 (2.00)
    Min, Max 1.00, 7.00
Component 2: Academic related periods (Score)
    Median (Q1, Q3) 2.00 (1.00, 4.00)
    Mean (SD) 2.47 (1.33)
    Min, Max 1.00, 5.00
Component 3: Public places-related use (Score)
    Median (Q1, Q3) 2.00 (1.00, 2.00)
    Mean (SD) 1.81 (0.94)
    Min, Max 1.00, 4.00
Component 4: Stress related periods (Score)
    Median (Q1, Q3) 3.00 (1.00, 4.00)
    Mean (SD) 2.67 (1.19)
    Min, Max 1.00, 4.00
Component 5: Motives for use (Score)
    Median (Q1, Q3) 2.00 (1.00, 3.00)
    Mean (SD) 2.08 (0.84)
    Min, Max 1.00, 3.00

Global SONTUS scores

The table below presents the distribution of respondents based on their Global SONTUS scores and corresponding score interpretation. The majority of respondents are classified as low users (31%), followed closely by average users (28%).

Table 4c. Summary statistics on Social netowrking time use scale Global score
Characteristic N = 5111
Global SONTUS Score
    Median (Q1, Q3) 13.0 (8.0, 17.0)
    Mean (SD) 12.8 (5.6)
    Min, Max 5.0, 23.0
Global SONTUS Score Interpretation
    low user 159 (31%)
    average user 144 (28%)
    high user 134 (26%)
    extremely high user 74 (14%)
1 n (%)

Objective 1.b: What is the level of body image among young adults?

Dresden Body Image

The table below shows summary statistics on scores from the 35-Dresden body image question items.

Table 5. Summary statistics on Dresden body image items
Characteristic N = 511
I move gracefully
    Median (Q1, Q3) 3.00 (3.00, 4.00)
    Mean (SD) 3.23 (0.95)
    Min, Max 1.00, 5.00
I often feel physically run down.
    Median (Q1, Q3) 3.00 (3.00, 4.00)
    Mean (SD) 3.11 (0.92)
    Min, Max 1.00, 5.00
I lack energy and motivation.
    Median (Q1, Q3) 3.00 (3.00, 4.00)
    Mean (SD) 3.32 (1.02)
    Min, Max 1.00, 5.00
I experience intense and pleasurable feelings during sex.
    Median (Q1, Q3) 3.00 (1.00, 4.00)
    Mean (SD) 2.66 (1.35)
    Min, Max 1.00, 5.00
Physical contact is important for me to express closeness.
    Median (Q1, Q3) 3.00 (2.00, 4.00)
    Mean (SD) 3.26 (1.18)
    Min, Max 1.00, 5.00
I often feel physically exhausted.
    Median (Q1, Q3) 3.00 (2.00, 4.00)
    Mean (SD) 2.98 (1.04)
    Min, Max 1.00, 5.00
There are a lot of situations in which I feel happy about my body.
    Median (Q1, Q3) 3.00 (2.00, 4.00)
    Mean (SD) 3.13 (1.10)
    Min, Max 1.00, 5.00
I am physically fit.
    Median (Q1, Q3) 3.00 (2.00, 4.00)
    Mean (SD) 3.14 (1.09)
    Min, Max 1.00, 5.00
I am very satisfied with my sexual experiences.
    Median (Q1, Q3) 3.00 (1.00, 4.00)
    Mean (SD) 2.81 (1.37)
    Min, Max 1.00, 5.00
Other people find me attractive.
    Median (Q1, Q3) 3.00 (2.00, 3.00)
    Mean (SD) 2.86 (0.97)
    Min, Max 1.00, 5.00
I look for physical intimacy and affection
    Median (Q1, Q3) 3.00 (2.00, 3.00)
    Mean (SD) 2.73 (1.14)
    Min, Max 1.00, 5.00
I like my body.
    Median (Q1, Q3) 3.00 (2.00, 4.00)
    Mean (SD) 3.13 (1.10)
    Min, Max 1.00, 5.00
I find it pleasant and exhilarating when someone looks at me attentively.
    Median (Q1, Q3) 3.00 (2.00, 3.00)
    Mean (SD) 2.70 (1.09)
    Min, Max 1.00, 5.00
I have lots of energy.
    Median (Q1, Q3) 3.00 (2.00, 4.00)
    Mean (SD) 3.14 (1.01)
    Min, Max 1.00, 5.00
I choose clothing that hides the shape of my body.
    Median (Q1, Q3) 3.00 (2.00, 4.00)
    Mean (SD) 2.90 (1.16)
    Min, Max 1.00, 5.00
I think sex is an important part of life.
    Median (Q1, Q3) 3.00 (2.00, 4.00)
    Mean (SD) 2.88 (1.27)
    Min, Max 1.00, 5.00
I am in good physical condition.
    Median (Q1, Q3) 3.00 (3.00, 4.00)
    Mean (SD) 3.28 (1.06)
    Min, Max 1.00, 5.00
I often feel uncomfortable about my body,
    Median (Q1, Q3) 3.00 (3.00, 4.00)
    Mean (SD) 3.30 (1.09)
    Min, Max 1.00, 5.00
I do not like people touching me.
    Median (Q1, Q3) 3.00 (2.00, 4.00)
    Mean (SD) 3.13 (1.08)
    Min, Max 1.00, 5.00
I feel more valued when someone pays attention to my body.
    Median (Q1, Q3) 2.00 (1.00, 3.00)
    Mean (SD) 2.26 (1.09)
    Min, Max 1.00, 5.00
I am able to lay aside my inhibitions in sexual situations.
    Median (Q1, Q3) 3.00 (1.00, 3.00)
    Mean (SD) 2.45 (1.17)
    Min, Max 1.00, 5.00
I like it when people put their arms around me.
    Median (Q1, Q3) 2.00 (2.00, 3.00)
    Mean (SD) 2.43 (1.13)
    Min, Max 1.00, 5.00
I wish I had a different body.
    Median (Q1, Q3) 4.00 (3.00, 5.00)
    Mean (SD) 3.62 (1.23)
    Min, Max 1.00, 5.00
I consciously avoid touching other people.
    Median (Q1, Q3) 3.00 (2.00, 4.00)
    Mean (SD) 3.07 (1.17)
    Min, Max 1.00, 5.00
I am satisfied with my appearance.
    Median (Q1, Q3) 3.00 (3.00, 4.00)
    Mean (SD) 3.34 (1.11)
    Min, Max 1.00, 5.00
I quickly reach my physical limits.
    Median (Q1, Q3) 3.00 (3.00, 4.00)
    Mean (SD) 3.13 (0.94)
    Min, Max 1.00, 5.00
I am able to enjoy my sexuality.
    Median (Q1, Q3) 3.00 (2.00, 4.00)
    Mean (SD) 3.25 (1.27)
    Min, Max 1.00, 5.00
If I could change something about my body, I would do it.
    Median (Q1, Q3) 3.00 (2.00, 4.00)
    Mean (SD) 3.27 (1.27)
    Min, Max 1.00, 5.00
My body is expressive.
    Median (Q1, Q3) 3.00 (2.00, 3.00)
    Mean (SD) 2.82 (1.02)
    Min, Max 1.00, 5.00
I only allow a few people to touch me.
    Median (Q1, Q3) 3.00 (2.00, 4.00)
    Mean (SD) 2.71 (1.28)
    Min, Max 1.00, 5.00
I use my body to attract attention.
    Median (Q1, Q3) 1.00 (1.00, 2.00)
    Mean (SD) 1.77 (1.02)
    Min, Max 1.00, 5.00
I am physically strong and resilient.
    Median (Q1, Q3) 3.00 (3.00, 4.00)
    Mean (SD) 3.27 (1.07)
    Min, Max 1.00, 5.00
    Unknown 1
I like showing my body.
    Median (Q1, Q3) 1.00 (1.00, 2.00)
    Mean (SD) 1.76 (1.02)
    Min, Max 1.00, 5.00
I like to be the centre of attention.
    Median (Q1, Q3) 1.00 (1.00, 2.00)
    Mean (SD) 1.74 (1.01)
    Min, Max 1.00, 5.00
My sexual experiences are satisfying.
    Median (Q1, Q3) 3.00 (1.00, 4.00)
    Mean (SD) 2.68 (1.36)
    Min, Max 1.00, 5.00
Some items were reverse-coded to align scoring direction with the underlying construct.

Dresden Body Image Sub-scales

Scores from each item in the Dresden Body Image Questionnaire are aggregated into four subscales and one overall score. The following two tables summarize each subscale and the overall score using both the mean and median.

The higher the score, the more positive the individual’s body image. Results showed that majority of the respondents have overall mean of 2.89/ median of 3.00, which means their body image perception is neutral or mixed. The subscale with the most positive/highest score is Body Acceptance, while the lowest is Self-Aggrandizement and Sexual fulfillment.

Table 6a. Summary statistics on Dresden body image subscales
Using median values
Characteristic N = 511
Dresden Body Image subscale median: Self - Aggrandizement
    Median (Q1, Q3) 2.00 (1.50, 3.00)
    Mean (SD) 2.35 (0.90)
    Min, Max 1.00, 5.00
Dresden Body Image subscale median: Vitality
    Median (Q1, Q3) 3.00 (3.00, 3.50)
    Mean (SD) 3.18 (0.62)
    Min, Max 1.00, 5.00
    Unknown 1
Dresden Body Image subscale median: Body Acceptance
    Median (Q1, Q3) 3.00 (3.00, 4.00)
    Mean (SD) 3.30 (0.93)
    Min, Max 1.00, 5.00
Dresden Body Image subscale median: Sexual fulfillment
    Median (Q1, Q3) 3.00 (1.50, 4.00)
    Mean (SD) 2.74 (1.25)
    Min, Max 1.00, 5.00
Dresden Body Image subscale median: Physical contact
    Median (Q1, Q3) 3.00 (2.50, 3.00)
    Mean (SD) 2.88 (0.69)
    Min, Max 1.00, 5.00
Dresden Body Image overall median
    Median (Q1, Q3) 3.00 (3.00, 3.00)
    Mean (SD) 2.91 (0.72)
    Min, Max 1.00, 5.00
    Unknown 1
Some items were reverse-coded to align scoring direction with the underlying construct.
Table 6b. Summary statistics on Dresden body image subscales
Using mean values
Characteristic N = 511
Dresden Body Image subscale mean: Self - Aggrandizement
    Median (Q1, Q3) 2.25 (1.88, 2.88)
    Mean (SD) 2.39 (0.70)
    Min, Max 1.00, 5.00
Dresden Body Image subscale mean: Vitality
    Median (Q1, Q3) 3.13 (2.88, 3.50)
    Mean (SD) 3.17 (0.51)
    Min, Max 1.50, 5.00
    Unknown 1
Dresden Body Image subscale median: Body Acceptance
    Median (Q1, Q3) 3.29 (2.86, 3.71)
    Mean (SD) 3.24 (0.61)
    Min, Max 1.43, 5.00
Dresden Body Image subscale mean: Sexual fulfillment
    Median (Q1, Q3) 2.83 (1.83, 3.67)
    Mean (SD) 2.79 (1.08)
    Min, Max 1.00, 5.00
Dresden Body Image subscale mean: Physical contact
    Median (Q1, Q3) 3.00 (2.67, 3.17)
    Mean (SD) 2.89 (0.51)
    Min, Max 1.33, 5.00
Dresden Body Image overall mean
    Median (Q1, Q3) 2.89 (2.60, 3.14)
    Mean (SD) 2.89 (0.41)
    Min, Max 1.80, 4.37
    Unknown 1
Some items were reverse-coded to align scoring direction with the underlying construct.

Objective 2: What is the commonly used spontaneous self-affirmation subscales among young adults?

Spontaneous Self-affirmation Scale

SSAM captures how frequently people engage in self-affirming thoughts, such as:

  • Reminding themselves of what matters most

  • Thinking about their strengths, values, or past successes

  • Affirming their self-worth in difficult moments

The table below summarizes the mean and median score for the SSAM independent items.

You can interpret the mean/median with the following guide:

Score Range Interpretation
6.0–7.0 Very high spontaneous self-affirmation
5.0–5.9 High spontaneous self-affirmation
4.0–4.9 Moderate or average level
3.0–3.9 Low spontaneous self-affirmation
1.0–2.9 Very low spontaneous self-affirmation
Table 7. Summary statistics on Spontaneous Self-affirmation scale items
When I feel threatened or anxious by people or events, I find myself …
Characteristic N = 511
...thinking about my strengths
    Median (Q1, Q3) 6.00 (5.00, 7.00)
    Mean (SD) 5.43 (1.45)
    Min, Max 1.00, 7.00
...thinking about my values
    Median (Q1, Q3) 6.00 (5.00, 7.00)
    Mean (SD) 5.67 (1.37)
    Min, Max 1.00, 7.00
...thinking about my principles
    Median (Q1, Q3) 6.00 (5.00, 7.00)
    Mean (SD) 5.65 (1.33)
    Min, Max 1.00, 7.00
...thinking about the people who are important to me
    Median (Q1, Q3) 7.00 (6.00, 7.00)
    Mean (SD) 6.12 (1.28)
    Min, Max 1.00, 7.00
...thinking about what I stand for
    Median (Q1, Q3) 6.00 (5.00, 7.00)
    Mean (SD) 5.89 (1.23)
    Min, Max 1.00, 7.00
...thinking about my family
    Median (Q1, Q3) 7.00 (6.00, 7.00)
    Mean (SD) 6.30 (1.20)
    Min, Max 1.00, 7.00
...thinking about my friends
    Median (Q1, Q3) 6.00 (5.00, 7.00)
    Mean (SD) 5.50 (1.36)
    Min, Max 1.00, 7.00
...thinking about the things I am good at
    Median (Q1, Q3) 6.00 (5.00, 7.00)
    Mean (SD) 5.78 (1.26)
    Min, Max 1.00, 7.00
...thinking about the things I like about myself
    Median (Q1, Q3) 6.00 (5.00, 7.00)
    Mean (SD) 5.69 (1.35)
    Min, Max 1.00, 7.00
...thinking about the people I love
    Median (Q1, Q3) 7.00 (6.00, 7.00)
    Mean (SD) 6.17 (1.25)
    Min, Max 1.00, 7.00
...thinking about the people I trust
    Median (Q1, Q3) 6.00 (5.00, 7.00)
    Mean (SD) 5.91 (1.31)
    Min, Max 1.00, 7.00
...thinking about the people I believe in
    Median (Q1, Q3) 6.00 (5.00, 7.00)
    Mean (SD) 5.78 (1.25)
    Min, Max 1.00, 7.00
...remembering things I have succeeded at
    Median (Q1, Q3) 6.00 (5.00, 7.00)
    Mean (SD) 5.86 (1.28)
    Min, Max 1.00, 7.00

The table below summarizes the overall score and scores based on the three subscales: Strength, Values and Relations.

Results suggest that respondents scored highest in “Relations” which means that they tend to affirm their sense of connection with others, while lowest in “Strength” indicating less reliance on personal competence and abilities for affirmation.

Subscale What it Measures Interpretation
Strength Reflection on one’s personal abilities, achievements, or resilience High scores suggest a strong reliance on personal competence for affirmation.
Values Reaffirming deeply held values or moral beliefs High scores imply that values-based thinking helps regulate emotional responses.
Relations Drawing on support and closeness with others High scores indicate affirmation through connection and belonging.
Table 8. Summary statistics on Spontaneous Self-affirmation scale categories
Characteristic N = 511
Strength
    Median (Q1, Q3) 6.00 (5.00, 6.50)
    Mean (SD) 5.69 (1.12)
    Min, Max 1.25, 7.00
Values
    Median (Q1, Q3) 6.00 (5.25, 6.50)
    Mean (SD) 5.75 (1.12)
    Min, Max 1.00, 7.00
Relations
    Median (Q1, Q3) 6.40 (5.60, 6.80)
    Mean (SD) 6.00 (1.07)
    Min, Max 1.20, 7.00
Overall
    Median (Q1, Q3) 6.02 (5.27, 6.55)
    Mean (SD) 5.81 (1.02)
    Min, Max 1.60, 7.00

Objective 3a: Is there a significant relationship between social media use and body image?

To detect a linear/monotonic relationship between social media use and body image, we used first, the Spearman rank correlation between the global SONTUS score (as measure of social media use) and Dresden Body Image overall median score (as measure of body image).

Results show that at 5% level of significance, there is a significant small/weak positive relationship between social media use and body image. This means that as respondents’ time spent on social networking increases, their body image tends to become slightly more positive. However, because the relationship is weak, the association is not strong or consistent across all respondents.

Table 9. Spearman Rank Correlation between SOCIAL MEDIA USE and BODY IMAGE
With significance levels: *p < 0.05, **p < 0.01, ***p < 0.001
Variable Compared_With Spearman_r p_value Significance Interpretation
global SONTUS score DKB Body image median score 0.186 0.000 *** Weak
global SONTUS score as measure of Social media use.
DKB Body image median score as measure of body image.

Objective 3b. Does SOCIAL MEDIUA USE affects/predicts BODY IMAGE?

Aside from monotonic directional relationship, we also use simple OLS regression to detect causal effect of social media use on body image using the same variables.

The table below shows a statistically significant positive relationship between social media use and body image (β = 0.0127, p < 0.001).

Specifically, for every one-unit increase in social media use (globalsontus), the Dresden body image score increases by 0.013 units, on average.

The intercept value (β₀ = 2.73) represents the expected body image score for a respondent with a social media use score of zero.

The relationship is statistically significant (p < 0.001), indicating that the result is unlikely due to chance. However, the effect size is small and the R-squared is only 3.1%, which means that only a small portion of the variance in body image is explained by social media use alone.

Table 10. Effect of Social Media Use on Body Image
Linear regression model Summary
(1)
(Intercept) 2.731 (0.044)***
(0.044)
globalsontus 0.013 (0.003)***
(0.003)
Num.Obs. 510
R2 0.031
R2 Adj. 0.029
AIC 518.0
BIC 530.7
Log.Lik. -256.012
F 16.263
RMSE 0.40
globalsontus as measure of social media use.
DKB Body image mean score as measure of body image.

Objective 4. Does self-affirmation moderate the relationship between social media use and body image?

To test whether self-affirmation ( as measured by Spontaneous self affirmation measure or SSAM) moderated the effect of social media use on body image, we conduct a multiple linear regression including the interaction effect of ssam_overall_mean (SSAM score) with globalsontus (Social Media use measure) on dkb_mean_all (Body Image overall mean score.

Table 11. Body Image ~ Social Media Use X Self Affirmation
Linear Model Summary
(1)
(Intercept) 2.883 (0.017)***
(0.017)
scale(ssam_overall_mean) 0.114 (0.018)***
(0.018)
scale(globalsontus) 0.052 (0.017)**
(0.017)
scale(ssam_overall_mean) × scale(globalsontus) 0.056 (0.016)***
(0.016)
Num.Obs. 510
R2 0.110
R2 Adj. 0.105
AIC 478.6
BIC 499.7
Log.Lik. -234.280
F 20.885
RMSE 0.38
global SONTUS score as measure of Social media use.
DKB Body image median score as measure of body image.
ssam_overall_mean as measure of self affirmation.
Note: All continuous predictors were standardized (z-scores) using scale(). This means that each unit increase reflects a 1 standard deviation change from the mean.

Key results:

Predictor Estimate p-value Interpretation
Intercept 2.88 < .001 Average body image when both predictors are at their mean (i.e., 0 in standardized units)
Self-affirmation (ssam) +0.11 *** < .001 More self-affirmation is associated with better body image
Social media use (globalsontus) +0.05 ** = .0029 Higher social media use is associated with better body image (small positive effect)
Interaction (ssam × globalsontus) +0.056 *** < .001 The effect of social media on body image depends on the level of self-affirmation

The positive interaction (+0.056) tells us that the positive effect of social media use on body image is stronger when self-affirmation is higher. OR Self-affirmation buffers or enhances the impact of social media on body image in a positive direction.

A visual interaction plot, showing how the slope of social media use → body image changes across low, mean, and high levels of self-affirmation.