#16: Dr Scott Griffiths, Acclaimed Body Image Researcher - How TikTok’s Algorithm Predicts Eating Disorders, A Clinicians Role In Identifying Body Dysmorphia, And Finding Your Research Passion

Hello and welcome to the Psychlings Podcast where Byron and Dazz chat with celebrated Professors and Clinicians to explore the latest thinking in psychological practice, research and education. Psychlings is a resource for future psychologists, and we are delighted to be joined today by the University of Melbourne’s Senior Research Fellow Dr. Scott Griffiths.

Scott is an award-winning researcher, author and speaker who heads up the Physical Appearance Research Team at UniMelb. His research focuses on body image and psychological issues for which body image is a central element — so this could include eating disorders, body dysmorphia and anabolic steroid dependence. Scott is particularly interested in how gender influences different experiences of body image and there is a fantastic TEDX talk where he delves into muscle dysmorphia in males which is well worth checking out. You can find more on Scott at DrScottGriffiths.com.

We cover a range of topics:
- Pathways to finding your passion
- Eating disorder stigma
- The state-of-the-nation of eating disorder research
- What is body dysmorphia, and how do clinicians identify it
- Male muscle dysmorphia
- TikTok's role in eating disorders
- Working with social media giants to prevent disorders

Scott's book recommendation on the show: Right to Sex by Amia Srinivasan

Hosts:
- Byron McCaughey (bmccaughey@student.unimelb.edu.au).
- Yu "Dazz" Liu (Yuliu13@student.unimelb.edu.au)