INFLUENCE OF EXPOSURE TO FACEBOOK PREGNANCY PHOTOSHOOT ON PERCEIVED BODY IMAGE OF PREGNANT AND POSTPARTUM WOMEN IN ILORIN METROPOLIS

Abstract

This study was on Influence of exposure to Facebook Pregnancy photoshoot on perceived Body Image of pregnant and postpartum women in Ilorin Metropolis.. two objectives were raised which included;  To ascertain the effect of exposure to facebook pregnancy photoshoot on perceived body image of pregnant women in Ilorin  and to ascertain the effect of exposure to facebook pregnancy photoshoot on perceived body image of postpartum women in Ilorin metropolis. A total of 77 responses were received and validated from the enrolled participants where all respondents were drawn from selected residents in Ilorin metropolis. Hypothesis was tested using Chi-Square statistical tool (SPSS).

Chapter one

Introduction

1.1Background of the study

Pregnancy can be a period marked with intense information seeking and decision making behaviors. Historically, such information was obtained via healthcare providers, books, and family and peer networks. With the expansion of technology and smartphone applications as well as a dissatisfaction with the prenatal care appointment structure, many pregnant women are turning to online sources for information. Pregnant women use the Internet for a variety of pregnancy-related reasons, ranging from information seeking to decision-making and sharing of experiences. Many women report using smartphone applications (i.e., apps) for pregnancy-related purposes and increasingly the app market is focusing on pregnancy (Kraschnewski JL, Chuang CH, 2013)

Body image and the potential for body dissatisfaction change during the course of pregnancy. Especially the first trimester and the post-partum period are vulnerable times for a worsening body image due to their optically ambiguous transitional stage. Four months’ post-partum, about 70% of women are attempting to lose weight because of body dissatisfaction. Further, pregnancy-related weight gains due to an increase of fatty tissue (e.g., on thighs, arms, face) does not comply with common beauty ideals. At the same time, pregnancy-related weight gain might even be positively evaluated and contribute to body confidence when it can be attributed to a “pregnancy beauty ideal” with a growing fetus indicated by a big belly or growth of breast tissue. However, in pregnant women, body dissatisfaction can lead to an over-prioritizing of appearance, the urge to breastfeed, lifestyle changes like eating in a caloric deficit to lose weight faster post-partum, and depression. One out of 20 women is at risk for developing an eating disorder during pregnancy. In this group, binge eating, anxiety, and depression are the most common symptoms. To date, nature, popularity, and possible risk factors of beauty ideals on social media in the peer group of birthing parents are not yet specified. Research on this topic is necessary as social media trends can adverse dietary and exercise behaviors which might harm maternal and fetal health

Exposure to “thin-ideal” or sexualized portrayals of women in the media especially facebook has been shown to influence body image, self-esteem, eating behaviors and beliefs, and eating disorders in women (e.g., Grabe, Ward, & Hyde, 2008). However, little research has examined the influence of media during the perinatal period (the period encompassing pregnancy and the first year postpartum). This period represents a particularly vulnerable time regarding body image and negative outcomes of poor body image for women (e.g., Liechty & Yarnal, 2010), which can have health implications for both mother and baby. Accordingly, additional research is needed to examine how exposure to various media messages influences body image (defined here as “a self-evaluation of one’s body and appearance”) for women during the perinatal period (Tremblay, Lovsin, Zecevic, & Lariviere, 2011).

Statement of the problem

The influence of media during the perinatal period (the period encompassing pregnancy and the first year postpartum). This period represents a particularly vulnerable time regarding body image and negative outcomes of poor body image for women (e.g., Liechty & Yarnal, 2010), which can have health implications for both mother and baby. Based on this background the researcher wants to investigate the influence of exposure to facebook pregnancy photoshoot on perceived body image of pregnant and postpartum women in Ilorin Metropolis

Objective of the study

The objectives of the study are;

1. To ascertain the effect of exposure to facebook pregnancy photoshoot on perceived body image of pregnant women in Ilorin
2. To ascertain the effect of exposure to facebook pregnancy photoshoot on perceived body image of postpartum women in Ilorin metropolis

Research hypotheses

The study formulated the following research hypotheses

H0: there is no effect of exposure to facebook pregnancy photoshoot on perceived body image of pregnant women in Ilorin

H1: there is effect of exposure to facebook pregnancy photoshoot on perceived body image of pregnant women in Ilorin

H0: there is no effect of exposure to facebook pregnancy photoshoot on perceived body image of postpartum women in Ilorin metropolis

H2: there is effect of exposure to facebook pregnancy photoshoot on perceived body image of postpartum women in Ilorin metropolis

Significance of the study

The study will be significant to students, pregnant women and the ministry of health. The study will create a clear insight on the influence of exposure to facebook pregnancy photoshoot on perceived body image of pregnant and postpartum women in Ilorin metropolis. The study will also serve as a reference to other researcher that will embark on the related.

Scope of the study

The scope of the study covers Influence of exposure to Facebook Pregnancy photoshoot on perceived Body Image of pregnant and postpartum women in Ilorin Metropolis. The study will be limited to women in Ilorin Metropolis

Limitation of the study

The research material available to the researcher is insufficient, thereby limiting the study

The time frame allocated to the study does not enhance wider coverage as the researcher has to combine other academic activities and examinations with the study.

Insufficient fund tends to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature or information and in the process of data collection (internet, questionnaire and interview).

Definition of terms

Exposure: the state of having no protection from something harmful.

Pregnancy: Pregnancy occurs when an egg is fertilized by a sperm, grows inside a woman’s uterus (womb), and develops into a baby. In humans, this process takes about 264 days from the date of fertilization of the egg, but the obstetrician will date the pregnancy from the first day of the last menstrual period (280 days 40 weeks)

Body image: Body image refers to how an individual sees their own body and how attractive they feel themselves to be. Many people have concerns about their body image

Postpartum: “Postpartum” means the time after childbirth. Most women get the “baby blues,” or feel sad or empty, within a few days of giving birth. For many women, the baby blues go away in 3 to 5 days. If your baby blues don’t go away or you feel sad, hopeless, or empty for longer than 2 weeks, you may have postpartum depression

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