The Relationship Between Latent Profiles of Physical Development and Body Perception in Adolescent Girls and Self‐Esteem: The Moderating Effect of Social Media

ABSTRACT Adolescence is a critical period for the development of body perception and self‐esteem, particularly among girls undergoing pubertal changes. This study aimed to identify distinct latent profiles of physical development and body perception among Korean adolescent girls and to examine whether social media use moderates the association between these profiles and self‐esteem. Participants were 594 Korean adolescent girls, M age = 14.27 years, range 14 to 14.67. Latent profile analysis was conducted using pubertal timing, body mass index, body image, and weight perception. Three profiles emerged: (1) girls with later menarche onset, a lean body type, and positive body image and weight perception; (2) girls with earlier menarche onset, overweight status, and negative body image and weight perception; and (3) girls with average menarche timing and weight and positive perceptions of physical development. Hierarchical regression analyses indicated that social media use moderated the association between latent profile membership and self‐esteem after controlling for peer attachment, academic stress, and subjective socioeconomic status. Although greater social media use was generally associated with lower self‐esteem across profiles, this negative association was significant only among girls characterized by later menarche onset, a lean body type, and satisfaction with their physical development. These findings underscore the importance of considering heterogeneity in physical development and body perception when examining how social media use relates to self‐esteem, suggesting that adolescents’ vulnerability to digital environments may vary across developmental profiles.