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Open Access 01-12-2021 | Eating Disorder | Research

The impact of Facebook use on self-reported eating disorders during the COVID-19 lockdown

Authors: Giuseppe Mannino, Laura Salerno, Rubinia Celeste Bonfanti, Gaia Albano, Gianluca Lo Coco

Published in: BMC Psychiatry | Issue 1/2021

Abstract

Background

The social isolation due to the COVID-19-related lockdown has had an impact on social media consumption around the world. This study examines the relationship between fear of COVID-19, Facebook use and disordered eating.

Methods

Structural Equation Modeling was used to analyse two-wave survey data (T0: Italian first lockdown; T1: after two months) during the pandemic. Young adults with self-reported dysfunctional eating behaviors (N = 115; 91.3% females; mean age = 28.60 ± 7.31) were recruited to complete an online survey at T0; 66 participants (92.4% females; mean age = 28.85 ± 7.85) completed the survey at T1. They were assessed on Facebook use, dysfunctional eating cognitions, and fear of COVID-19.

Results

Participants’ disordered eating cognitions increased during the pandemic. At T0, higher fear of COVID-19 was positively associated to time spent on Facebook, which in turn predicted disordered eating cognitions at T1. Moreover, maladaptive Facebook use mediated the relationship between daily time on Facebook and Shape concerns.

Conclusions

The findings of this study suggest an influence of dysfunctional Facebook use in increasing disordered eating cognitions during the pandemic.

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Title: The impact of Facebook use on self-reported eating disorders during the COVID-19 lockdown
Authors: Giuseppe Mannino
Laura Salerno
Rubinia Celeste Bonfanti
Gaia Albano
Gianluca Lo Coco
Publication date: 01-12-2021
Publisher: BioMed Central
Keywords: Eating Disorder
Eating Disorder
COVID-19
Anxiety
Published in: BMC Psychiatry / Issue 1/2021
Electronic ISSN: 1471-244X
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12888-021-03628-x

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

The impact of Facebook use on self-reported eating disorders during the COVID-19 lockdown

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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