YouTube Video as Health Literacy Tool: A Test of Body Image Campaign Effectiveness

Health Mark Q. 2015;32(4):350-66. doi: 10.1080/07359683.2015.1093883. Epub 2015 Nov 16.

Abstract

This study examined the effectiveness of four media campaigns about disordered eating behaviors. It investigated possible factors that affected females' perceived effectiveness of four campaign videos. Results indicated that health campaign about a celebrity's struggle with extreme thinness proved to be the least effective of four campaign videos, whereas the video presenting solid facts about the dangers of extreme dieting was perceived as the most effective campaign. Self-discrepancy was not a significant predictor to females' perceived effectiveness of campaign videos. Similarly, the frequency of Internet usage was proved as a weak predictor of their perceived effectiveness. These findings and the possible rationale for the lack of support with regard to the correlates of campaign effectiveness were also discussed.

Keywords: YouTube; disordered eating behavior; health literacy; self-discrepancy.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Body Image / psychology*
  • Feeding and Eating Disorders / prevention & control*
  • Female
  • Health Literacy
  • Health Promotion / methods*
  • Humans
  • Social Media*
  • Young Adult