Body Image Disturbance in Female Adolescents Using Online Learning Platforms: A Concept Analysis

Aim 

To analyze the concept of body image disturbance in female adolescents using online learning platforms as a phenomenon of interest to nurse practitioners and other health care practitioners. 

Background 

With the declaration of the COVID-19 pandemic, the use of online learning platforms as a primary mode of learning has increased exponentially among adolescents. While research is still lacking in this field, the literature on traditional social media suggests that these online learning platforms may negatively influence body image and emotional outcomes. Particularly vulnerable to these outcomes are female adolescents, whose construction of own body image is highly influenced by their self-perceived evaluation from their peers. While the concept of body image disturbance is well defined in adolescent eating disorders, it has not been characterized in the context of online learning platforms. Defining the concept of body image disturbance in this context is crucial for recognizing its occurrence and providing early intervention.  

Methods 

The Walker and Avant method of concept analysis was used to analyze the concept.  

Findings 

The defining attributes of body image disturbance among female adolescents using online learning platforms are: (1) Feeling displeasure with the perceived appearance while using video streamed platforms; (2) Self-surveillance of one’s appearance; and (3) Upward comparison of one’s appearance with others and experiencing feelings of inadequacy.  

Conclusion 

As COVID-19 continues to disrupt the traditional school experience, nurse practitioners can use the presented scenarios, along with examples of questionnaires noted in this study, to recognize and delineate the occurrence of body image disturbance in female adolescents using online learning platforms. A development of a standardized definition of the concept will enable nurse practitioners to recognize its occurrence and to provide interventions in a timely manner.