Zoom dysmorphia in medical students: the role of dysmorphic concern and self-efficacy in online environments amidst COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

Background Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, students increasingly used online platforms with webcams, leading to a phenomenon known as Zoom dysmorphia , where users felt discomfort regarding their appearance. This study aimed to explore how students’ self-efficacy and dysmorphic concern influence zoom dysmorphia. Methods This cross-sectional correlational study was conducted in 2021–2022 at Jahrom University of Medical Sciences, IRAN. The study employed three questionnaires: Zoom dysmorphia (31-items), Self-efficacy (17-items), and Dysmorphic Concern (7-items). Data collection was done using an online questionnaire, and the sample size was estimated at 250 based on Cochran’s formula. Questionnaires were sent through students’ emails and randomly stratified across different faculties. The data were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics (Version 24), utilizing one-sample t-tests, independent groups t-tests, ANOVA, Pearson’s correlation, and linear regression techniques. Results Out of the 250 online questionnaires distributed, 179 participants completed them fully. The overall mean score for Zoom Dysmorphia was 65.93 ± 24.82, indicating a moderate level. Students exhibited a moderate level of self-efficacy (57.70 ± 11.75), while the dysmorphic concern score had a mean of 6.26 ± 9.74, lower than the cut-off point. The strongest correlations with the total score of zoom dysmorphia and its subscales were found with metacognitive control strategies ( r = 0.95), Coalition of thought ( r = 0.91), positive and negative metacognitive beliefs ( r = 0.89), and Safety behaviors ( r = 0.77). Self-efficacy had a reducing effect as a predictor on zoom dysmorphia ( r = 0.26), while dysmorphic concern had a positive correlation and an increasing effect on zoom dysmorphia ( r = 0.74). Gender and field of study did not show a relationship with zoom dysmorphia ( p > 0.05). The moderating variable of self-efficacy had a diminishing effect on the impact of dysmorphic concern on zoom dysmorphia. Conclusion While it is important to improve technological proficiency and self-efficacy, addressing dysmorphic concern through cognitive interventions and psychological support is crucial in managing zoom dysmorphia.