Exploring the Impact of Positive Parent-Adolescent Relationships on Social Media Engagement and Body Image Perception Among Saudi Arabian Adolescent: A Cross-Sectional Analysis.

Objective

Body image influences well-being and encompasses cognitive, emotional, and idealistic aspects. Adolescents often experience body image dissatisfaction (BID) because of societal pressures caused by excessive social media (SM) use. Studies in France and Saudi Arabia link SM to BID, but the protective role of parent-adolescent relationships in Saudi Arabia remains unclear. This study evaluated whether positive relationships counteract the effects of SM on BID among Saudi adolescents.

Methods

This cross-sectional study was conducted in Saudi Arabia on 377 adolescents from April 2023 to October 2024. Data were collected via an online questionnaire sent to the guardians for consent and forwarded to the adolescents. The questionnaire covered demographics, BID, SM usage frequency, and parent-adolescent relationship quality.

Results

The study participants were predominantly female (79.6%), with a mean age of 16.7 years. In our sample, 23.4% of the participants had psychiatric disorders, mainly anxiety (36.4%) and depression (25.2%). TikTok (60.7%) and Instagram (48.8%) were the most commonly used SM platforms. Body mass index (BMI) and pre-existing psychiatric disorders significantly influenced BID (p < 0.05). SM use was significantly associated with BID; however, a positive mother-adolescent relationship moderated this effect. The father-adolescent relationship had no such effect.

Conclusion

This study highlights the impact of SM on BID, with positive maternal bonds mitigating its negative effects. Strengthening familial bonds has emerged as an important intervention for minimizing the extent to which SM causes BID among adolescents.