Objective: As video chatting has emerged as a leading form of communication for work, education, and socialization during the COVID-19 pandemic, it is important to investigate the association between video chatting and appearance satisfaction. Method: Participants included women from the United States (n = 438; age: M = 31.3, SD = 12.71) who completed measures examining their use of video chatting services, self-objectification, video chatting appearance comparison, and appearance satisfaction. Results: The total time spent on video chatting services was not associated with appearance satisfaction; however, self-objectification moderated the relationship between total hours of video chatting and appearance satisfaction. In addition, participants who engaged in more video chatting appearance comparisons reported lower face and body satisfaction. Furthermore, video chatting appearance comparison was associated with more frequent usage of certain Zoom features, such as the "touch up my appearance" feature, and more time spent looking at oneself on video calls. Finally, those who spent more time engaged with their families over video chatting services reported greater face and body satisfaction. Discussion: The results of the current study demonstrate that time spent video chatting is not predictive of appearance satisfaction, but that self-objectification can exacerbate these associations.
Purpose is a dynamic construct that fluctuates in prevalence throughout the lifespan, but consistently predicts desirable outcomes regardless of one's age. Sense of purpose can be understood as the extent to which one feels that they have personally meaningful goals and directions guiding them through life (Ryff, 1989), while a purpose in life refers to those specific goals and directions . Purpose is not viewed as simply a goal one must achieve before moving onto another, but an overarching theme that penetrates the various smaller obtainable goals that one pursues throughout their lives Hill, Burrow, Brandenberger, et al., 2010). As described by Damon, Menon, and Bronk (2003), one's purpose in life should, in fact, not be easy to attain, if attainable at all. By this definition, one's purpose in life would not solely be to have a child or to feed the homeless at a soup kitchen. One's purpose in life can be understood as more of a general orientation, like to spend time with and care for one's family, or to help those in need. By considering purpose through this perspective, purpose reflects something that one is able to constantly pursue and take esteemed steps toward achieving, without being in a position of completing a distinct objective and being left purposeless.
The transition into college involves several trials and tribulations, and students' ability to deal with this process may be facilitated by finding a sense of purpose. Having a purpose has been shown to have a variety of benefits for college students, whether it is garnering the perseverance to help withstand the various stressors college students must endure or the potential it has for promoting well-being. This review describes why purpose is an important consideration for higher education researchers by noting its relevance to the college experience and its ability to predict desirable outcomes. This review also addresses the potential for individuals to change their purpose and life goals, and 3 potential pathways (proactive, reactive, and social learning) to pursue a purpose. Finally, this review ends by discussing applications for higher education institutes, including how to help students combat potential mental health issues and increase their likelihood of being a successful student. With college student well-being as a prominent concern, there is a clear need for different facets of the education system at large to better address these issues. An effort to integrate purpose throughout the college experience may provide an effective route for professors and administrators to combat this mental health crisis.
What is the significance of this article for the general public?With college students often struggling with anxiety and depression, it is important for university officials and education systems at large to support and enhance student wellbeing. Integrating practices that shape and bolster purposefulness throughout the college experience could aid in bettering student mental health, as well as more effectively prepare individuals for meaningful and thoughtful futures following graduation.
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