Date of Conferral

2-10-2025

Degree

Doctor of Social Work (DSW)

School

Social Work

Advisor

Dr. Brittany Peters

Abstract

African American women’s perspectives on the influence of social media content on their mental health (i.e., moods, thoughts, and behaviors) and self-image were explored in this qualitative study. The theoretical framework chosen for this study was Festinger’s (1954) social comparison theory, which was used to examine whether there was a logical connection between the study topic and the framework presented. Data were collected through semistructured interviews that were conducted via Zoom. The data from 10 participants’ interviews were transcribed and analyzed using a thematic analysis approach, resulting in the following two emergent themes: (a) pressure to compare and emulate and (b) negative influence on mental health. This study is significant to the social work community because it could help bridge the gap for social work practitioners to be more aware of the signs of social media distress. To help combat the influence of social media content, the findings of this study can assist social workers to assess and examine the potential adverse effects of social media on their clientele’s mental health and self-image. This research study contributes to positive social change by promoting social work practitioners’ continued identification, support for, and incorporation of educational tools on mental health and self-image to help African American women suffering from the harmful components of social media distress.

Download

Included in

Social Work Commons

Share

 
COinS