The Role of Influencer Credibility In Orthorexia Nervosa Tendencies Among Young Adult TikTok Users
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Date of Award
Summer 8-1-2025
Document Type
Applied Project
Degree Name
Master of Science in Research Psychology (MS)
Department
Psychology
Supervisor
Dr. Yu Chak Sunny Ho
Second Reader
Dr. Jenny Lee Vaydich
Third Reader
Dr. Jessica Fossum
Keywords
Orthorexia Nervosa, influencer, credibility, social media, health and fitness content, Tiktok
Abstract
Orthorexia Nervosa (ON) is an unhealthy obsession with “clean” eating and has been increasingly linked to social media use, particularly frequent exposure to health, diet, and fitness content. TikTok, known for its algorithm-driven engagement and short-form videos, exposes users to this type of content more than other platforms and has been associated with higher ON tendencies among young adults. This study examines whether perceived influencer credibility, measured by trustworthiness, expertise, and attractiveness, predicts ON tendencies among young adult TikTok users. We will recruit 366 participants (ages 18–30) and conduct a multiple regression analysis. Findings may inform platform policies, strengthen digital literacy programs, and support mental health clinicians in understanding how influencer content contributes to disordered eating patterns.
Recommended Citation
Chu, ShaoHsien (Zoey), "The Role of Influencer Credibility In Orthorexia Nervosa Tendencies Among Young Adult TikTok Users" (2025). Research Psychology Theses. 30.
https://digitalcommons.spu.edu/rpsy_etd/30
Capstone Proposal Slides
Copyright Status
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Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 International License.
