Fitspiration, related risks, and coping strategies: Recent trends and future directions.

Abstract

This review presents an overview of recent trends in fitspiration, with a particular focus on its associated risks and potential tackling interventions. First, it was found that fitspiration is positively related to behavioral distortion (e.g., eating disorder and excessive exercise), cognitive distortion (e.g., body dissatisfaction and self-objectification), and negative emotion and mental health. Second, various interventions (e.g., social media literacy programs) have been explored or implemented to tackle the adverse effects brought by fitspiration. Third, although a significant volume of research is emerging that investigates fitspiration and its related risks and coping strategies, the research landscape is far from diverse and inclusive. Recommendations for future research are offered to encourage intercultural perspectives, gender, and age inclusion, and more qualitative and speculative research design.