The How and Why
The Interactive Media and Gender-Related Stressors and Strengths (IMAGES) Study (PI: Allegra Gordon) investigates social media use and its relationship to risk and resilience factors for substance use and disordered eating behaviors among transgender and gender-diverse young adults, ages 18-25 years, living in the United States. Using a daily diary study and follow-up qualitative interviews, this project aims to improve our understanding of the influence of online social environments on young adult stress and coping behaviors.
Phase 1 of the IMAGES study included an online survey and interviews. We worked with a Community Advisory Board to interpret findings and plan the next study phase. The study team is currently analyzing the survey and interview data and is working on sharing out findings. In Phase 2, we collaborated with a Young Adult Advisory Board (YAAB) from across the US. Drawing on insights from Phase 1, the study team and YAAB have been co-designing a social media literacy online toolkit for young adults that is specifically tailored to the needs of trans/nonbinary young people. Stay tuned!
Study news and updates:
Check out our Summer 2023 research newsletter.
PI: Allegra Gordon
This work was funded, in part, by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (K01DA054357) and in part by a Boston University School of Public Health Early Career Pilot Award. This content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the National Institutes of Health.
Selected Papers & Conference Presentations
Selected publications:
Conference presentations:
Sangeeta Subedi presented "'Train the algorithm early': Strategies for navigating social media and protecting mental health among transgender and nonbinary young adults” at the Society of Behavioral Medicine conference in San Francisco, CA in March 2025.
Michelle Flesaker presented "Exposure to online harassment is associated with disordered eating behaviors among transgender and gender diverse young adults: Findings from a daily diary study" at the Society of Behavioral Medicine conference in San Francisco, CA in March 2025.