Understanding youth's development in a digitalized society

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Research



Welcome to my research portfolio! Here, you’ll find a summary of my research focus areas and publications.
Navigate to the ‘Science Explainers’ section to explore infographics that provide accessible visualizations of my research.

Research topics

Body Image

Body image refers to a person’s perception, thoughts, and feelings about their own physical appearance. It plays a significant role in shaping self-esteem and well-being. In today’s society, media influences can lead to unrealistic expectations and pressures which can have detrimental effects on mental health, such as low self-esteem and (appearance) anxiety. Some of my work has further examined how embracing diversity and promoting body positivity are important for fostering a healthier body image. Individuals can focus on self-care, self-compassion, and surrounding themselves with positive influences. By challenging beauty norms and practicing self-acceptance, we can create a world where everyone feels comfortable and confident in their own skin.

Interested!

Sexuality and Gender Identity

Sexuality and gender identity are important aspects of human diversity and self-expression. They refer to a person’s sexual orientation and how they identify their gender. My research has examined the effects of children growing up in a world that is saturated with heteronormative representations of sexuality and gender. These findings show the importance of creating a safe and inclusive environment that accepts and supports individuals of all sexual orientations and gender identities. By promoting respect, equality, and understanding, we can foster a society that celebrates diversity and fosters a sense of belonging for everyone.


Interested!

Media Literacy

Over the years, research has underscored significant variability in observed media effects. While some studies support the expected negative impacts on well-being, others report positive or null findings of media use. Therefore, my research has increasingly focused on elucidating the boundary conditions of these effects. I strongly believe that uncovering these boundary conditions will provide crucial insights for fostering media literacy—identifying the individual traits that help mitigate negative effects or enhance positive experiences. My research particularly focuses on understanding the social context surrounding adolescents’ (digital) media use, aiming to clarify both how they engage with media and how it impacts them.


Interested!

Well-Being

Well-being refers to being happy, healthy, and balanced in all aspects of life. It includes physical health, mental well-being, and emotional balance. Some of my current work is focused on understanding the complex and dynamic association between adolescents’ well-being and social media use. Existing literature indicates that while some adolescents benefit positively from social media, others encounter challenges. Consequently, it becomes paramount to discern the limiting factors that define positive social media use and effects. These include individual factors such as resilience and executive functions, as well as social factors like social position and family relationships.


Interested!


Selection of Publications

  • 2024

  • Trekels, J. Maza, M.V., Capella, J., Jorgenson, N., Kwon, S-J., Lindquist, K., Prinstein, M. P., & Telzer, E. H. (2024). Diverse Social Media Experiences and Adolescents’ Depressive Symptoms: The Moderating Role of Neurobiological Responsivity to Rejected Peers. Social and Cognitive Affective Neuroscience. https://doi.org/10.1093/scan/nsae070  

  • Trekels, J. (2024). From Filters to Body Positivity: Opposing Social Media Messages and Adolescent Body Image. Psychology of Popular Media. Advance online publication. doi: 10.1037/ppm0000565

  • Burnell, K., Trekels, J., Prinstein, M.J., & Telzer, E.H. (2024). Daily co-fluctuations of adolescents’ social comparison tendency on social media and well-being. Affective Science. doi: 10.1007/s42761-024-00240-6.

  • Trekels, J., Nesi, J., Burnell, K., Prinstein, M.J., & Telzer, E.H. (2024). Dispositional and Social Correlates of Digital Status Seeking Among Adolescents. Cyberpsychology, Behavior, and Social Networking. https://doi.org/10.1089/cyber.2023.0342

  • 2023

  • Vanherle, R., Trekels, J., Hermans, S., Vranken, P. & Beullens, K. (2023). How it feels to be ‘left on read’: Social surveillance on Snapchat and young individuals’ mental health. Cyberpsychology – Journal of Psychosocial Research on Cyberspace. https://doi.org/10.5817/CP2023-5-3

  • Trekels, J. & Eggermont, S. (2023). Adolescents’ multi-layered media processing: A panel study on positive and negative perceptions towards ideals and adolescents’ appearance anxiety. Communication Research. Advanced Online Publication. https://doi.org/10.1177/00936502231151471

  • 2021

  • Maes, C., Trekels, J., Tylka, T., & Vandenbosch, L. (2021). The Positive Body Image among Adolescents Scale (PBIAS): Conceptualization, development, and psychometric evaluation among adolescents from Belgium. Body Image, 38, 270-288. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bodyim.2021.05.004

  • 2020

  • Karsay, K., Trekels, J., Eggermont, S., & Vandenbosch, L. (2020). I (Don’t) Respect my Body”: Investigating the Role of Mass Media Use and Self-Objectification on Adolescents’ Positive Body Image in a Cross-National Study. Mass Communication And Society, 24 (1), 57-84. https://doi.org/10.1080/15205436.2020.1827432

  • Trekels, J., Eggermont, S. (2020). Me, Myself, and My Favorite Media Figure: An Objectification Perspective on the Role of Media and Peers in Early Adolescents’ Self-sexualization. Mass Communication & Society, 24(1), 31-56. https://doi.org/10.1080/15205436.2020.1817943

  • Vangeel, L., Trekels, J., Eggermont, S., & Vandenbosch, L. (2020). Adolescents’ objectificaiton of their same-sex friends: Indirect relationships with media use through self-objectification, rewarded appearance ideals, and online appearance conversations. Journalism and Mass Communication Quarterly, online first publication. https://doi.org/10.1177/1077699020959723

  • 2018

  • de Lenne, O., Vandenbosch, L., Eggermont, S., Karsay, K., Trekels, J. (2018). Picture-perfect lives on social media: a cross-national study on the role of media ideals in adolescent well-being. Media Psychology, 1-27. https://doi.org/ 10.1080/15213269.2018.1554494