Hello! My name is Kayla Joiner and I am a senior majoring in Psychology. During my time at FSU, I have become involved in research and mental health organizations. In my first year, I conducted a UROP project examining how living in the South impacts the identity development of LGBTQ+ individuals.
Currently, I work as a research assistant in the Keel Lab/Eating Behaviors Research Clinic focused on the development of eating disorders. I am also involved in the Advancing Suicide Prevention and Intervention through Research and Engagement (ASPIRE) Lab, where I study the processes underlying suicidal ideation and behaviors. Additionally, I serve as the Director of Public Relations for RENEW, a peer support and outreach organization under FSU’s Counseling and Psychological Services.
With the IDEA Grant, I will be able to fund my Honors in the Major Thesis under the mentorship of Dr. Pamela Keel. My project aims to explore how appearance-focused social media content can influence how people think about beauty and their appearance across various racial/ethnic groups. Additionally, I am exploring if these effects would differ depending on nationality. My interest in this topic stems from how social media has become increasingly integrated in education, communication, marketing, and many aspects of daily life. With this influence in mind, I became curious about how social media shapes self-perception. Appearance-focused content, such as beauty posts/trends, often highlights individuals with specific features, which may contribute to feelings of inadequacy among those who do not reflect these standards. By taking these differences into account, I aim to contribute to a broader understanding of how social media influences well-being, particularly across diverse populations.
Throughout the summer, I will be working with Dr. Keel and Alejandra Medina Fernandez, a clinical psychology graduate student, to finalize survey materials and submit them for IRB approval. While waiting for approval, we will focus on identifying locations for flyering and organizations to contact for recruitment. Once approved, I will begin participant recruitment recruitment and utilize the funding to compensate participants. Once this summer ends, I will continue to recruit into the Fall and begin analyzing my data to prepare for my Honors Thesis defense in Spring 2027.
Receiving an IDEA Grant has made it possible for me to think bigger and expand my project beyond FSU. In addition to recruiting FSU students, I will be able to reach students at Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University and Tallahassee State College as well as individuals through social media. Being able to recruit from so many populations will allow me to garner a diverse and representative sample, a central goal of my thesis.
After graduating, I plan to pursue a Ph.D. in clinical psychology, with a focus on eating disorders and related comorbidities among minority populations. Completing this honors thesis will provide valuable experience in developing and implementing a study while contributing to a growing area of research centered around these populations. Ultimately, I hope that my research can further the development of tailored treatment options and inclusivity in psychology.
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