Fit or Comparing? How Exercise and Social Comparison Shape Body Confidence
Molloy Faculty Mentor
Jennifer Elliot
Presenter Major
Psychology
Presentation Type
Poster
Location
Wilbur 2nd Floor Corridor, Wilbur Arts Building, Molloy University
Start Date
1-5-2026 10:30 AM
End Date
1-5-2026 11:15 AM
Description (Abstract)
The following study examines how social comparison tendencies and exercise habits can influence body confidence among college students. Research has largely focused on clinical populations, leaving a gap in understanding these correlations in non-clinical samples. A sample of 40–80 participants are being recruited from Psychology classes within Molloy University. Data collection is in progress and expected to be complete by early April. Participants will complete a brief anonymous questionnaire assessing social comparison, exercise habits, and body confidence using Likert-scale items. Data will be analyzed using a 2x2 factorial design to examine main and interaction effects. It is theorized that lower social comparison and higher exercise frequency will be associated with greater body confidence. This research is important because it explores everyday behavioral factors that shape self-perception. Findings may have implications for promoting healthier body image and encouraging positive exercise habits among college students. This study has received approval from the Institutional Review Board (IRB) at Molloy University: IRB # 2420922-1.
Related Pillar(s)
Study
Fit or Comparing? How Exercise and Social Comparison Shape Body Confidence
Wilbur 2nd Floor Corridor, Wilbur Arts Building, Molloy University
The following study examines how social comparison tendencies and exercise habits can influence body confidence among college students. Research has largely focused on clinical populations, leaving a gap in understanding these correlations in non-clinical samples. A sample of 40–80 participants are being recruited from Psychology classes within Molloy University. Data collection is in progress and expected to be complete by early April. Participants will complete a brief anonymous questionnaire assessing social comparison, exercise habits, and body confidence using Likert-scale items. Data will be analyzed using a 2x2 factorial design to examine main and interaction effects. It is theorized that lower social comparison and higher exercise frequency will be associated with greater body confidence. This research is important because it explores everyday behavioral factors that shape self-perception. Findings may have implications for promoting healthier body image and encouraging positive exercise habits among college students. This study has received approval from the Institutional Review Board (IRB) at Molloy University: IRB # 2420922-1.
