Dancing and TikTok use : profiles and their associations with introversion, positive body image and positive adolescent sexuality

Research has shown that dancing is associated with a more positive body image and healthier sexual behavior. However, the role of the TikTok platform and introversion in linking dance to positive body image and sexuality among adolescents remains less understood. In this study, we utilized latent profile analysis (LPA) to identify distinct profiles of participants categorized as 'Dancer and Active on TikTok'. We then examined the differences between these profiles in terms of their motivations for engaging with TikTok, resilience against challenging sexuality-related experiences, self-image, body self-appreciation, and gender. The study population included 367 adolescents from Israel, and Uruguay and Argentina (124 boys and 243 girls, M = 16.41, SD = 1.26) between 14–18 years of age. LPA revealed two groups: “Dancer and Highly Active on TikTok” (n = 261; 71.11%) and “Non-Dancer and Less Active on TikTok” (n = 106; 28.89%), with clear differences in motivations, body image, and resilience related to sexuality. In addition, introverted adolescents gained more control over sexual experiences through TikTok use and dancer, while highly introverted boys and younger extroverts experienced lower sexual acceptance and resilience. Girls were more sensitive to appearance-related pressures, and Israeli adolescents showed more openness and acceptance than their peers from Uruguay and Argentina. These findings show how TikTok engagement and dancer interacts with personal and cultural factors. Interventions should be tailored to personality, gender, age, and cultural context.