The Mediating Role of Social Media Use in the Relationship Between Self-Esteem and Body Image Concerns Among Undergraduate Students

Background and purpose: Due to the widespread use of social media and its potential effects on mental health and body image, this study aimed to investigate the mediating role of social media use in the relationship between self-esteem and body image concerns among undergraduate students at Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences.

Materials and methods

This descriptive-correlational study was conducted among 250 undergraduate students at Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences. Participants were selected using multistage random sampling, and data were collected using the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, Jahanbani Social Networks Questionnaire, and Littleton Body Image Concern Questionnaire. Data were analysed using Pearson’s correlation coefficient, multiple linear regression, and structural equation modelling in SPSS and AMOS.