Does Fashion-Related Social Media Engagement Shape Young Adults’ Body Image Concern, Perfectionistic Self-Presentation, and Emotional Intelligence?

International Journal of Humanities and Social Science

© 2025 by SSRG - IJHSS Journal

Volume 12 Issue 5

Year of Publication : 2025

Authors : Aditya Oberoi, Rubani Kaur Narang

10.14445/23942703/IJHSS-V12I5P106

How to Cite?

Aditya Oberoi, Rubani Kaur Narang, "Does Fashion-Related Social Media Engagement Shape Young Adults’ Body Image Concern, Perfectionistic Self-Presentation, and Emotional Intelligence?," SSRG International Journal of Humanities and Social Science, vol. 12,  no. 5, pp. 53-62, 2025. Crossref, https://doi.org/10.14445/23942703/IJHSS-V12I5P106

Abstract:

Social media is increasingly being used by young adults to consume, contribute to, and create fashion-related content. This trend has been associated with higher Body Image Concern (BIC) and Perfectionistic Self-Presentation (PSP). However, the influence of fashion engagement remains underexplored, and the role of Emotional Intelligence (EI) in this context has received little attention. Therefore, this study examined the relationship between BIC, PSP, and EI and how fashion-related social media engagement shapes these variables. A quantitative survey was conducted. The sample comprised 113 Indian young adults, who were grouped as consumers (n = 38), contributors (n = 48), and creators (n = 27) of fashion related social media content. Data analysis was conducted through Pearson’s correlation and analysis of variance. The results revealed that BIC was significantly positively correlated with the subdimensions of PSP (Perfectionistic Self Promotion, non-display of imperfection, and Nondisclosure of imperfection). Surprisingly, EI was significantly positively correlated with both BIC and PSP. However, fashion-related social media engagement did not appear to have a significant effect on BIC, PSP, or EI. These findings indicate that EI may not necessarily act as a protective factor for BIC, highlighting the complexity of these relationships across cultures, with EI possibly being unhelpful beyond an optimal level. Nevertheless, body image-based interventions targeting young adults may benefit from integrating components of PSP and EI. Moreover, while fashion-related engagement did not appear to affect young adults, future research should comprehensively explore this construct to obtain insights into the effects of consuming and creating fashion-related content on social media.

Keywords:

Body Image Concern, Emotional Intelligence, Fashion Engagement, Perfectionistic Self-Presentation, Social Media.

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