Improving Well-Being and Body Satisfaction: The Role of Body Compassion in Countering the Negative Influence of Social Media (BCWell)
General Overview
This project aims to investigate how the frequency and type of social media use relates to university students’ body image, eating behaviors and overall well-being. It also examines whether body compassion – a kind and accepting attitude toward one’s body – can protect against the negative impacts of social media.
Through a quantitative approach, the study aims to identify meaningful patterns and provide evidence-based recommendations. The findings will support the creation of targeted strategies and interventions to reinforce students’ mental and emotional health in the digital environment.
Purpose and Significance
Concern is growing around social media’s impact on young adults’ well-being due to the promotion of unrealistic beauty ideals, which can harm body satisfaction and increase the risk of eating disorders. While research confirms these effects, the role of protective psychological factors is still unclear.
This project investigates body compassion – an attitude of kindness towards one’s body – as a potential buffer against these negative influences. A large-scale survey of European students (aged 18–30) will assess social media use, well-being, body-related variables and eating attitudes. Results will inform interventions aimed at improving students' mental health and body image resilience.
Implementation Method and Timeline
Each of the five partner universities will lead the coordination of a specific work package (WP). The project is set to launch in June 2025, with final workshops scheduled for June 2026.
WP1 – Questionnaire Development (Nantes Université): Designing a questionnaire adapted for languages and cultures.
WP2 – Survey Administration (Linnaeus University): Distribution of the questionnaire to students (sample target: 800–1200 participants); data collection involving master’s and PhD students.
WP3 – Data Analysis (University of Murcia): Analysis of local and pooled data using comparative methods.
WP4 – Final Meeting (Nantes Université): Discussion of results and designing posters for dissemination within universities and the EUniWell network.
WP5 – Dissemination (University of Florence): Organisation of local workshops, presention of findings in scientific publications and at conferences.
Expected Outcomes
This project aims to examine how body compassion may serve as a protective factor against the negative impact of social media on body satisfaction and well-being among university students across four European countries. We expect to find that body compassion mitigates the negative impact of social media exposure on well-being, body satisfaction and eating attitudes.
Based on our findings, we aim (1) to develop practical recommendations for university students to help them manage social media use and encourage body compassion; (2) to publish scientific articles in peer-reviewed journals and (3) to present our findings at international conferences, contributing to the academic field of social and health psychology.
Contact
Elisa Sarda, Nantes Université
