While some say Instagram is a realm for negativity and low self-esteem, others are taking small steps to turn it into a place of positivity.

With artists turning 'flaws' into art and encouraging women to be happy in their bodies, new research has found that following plus-size models on the site is really beneficial.

Ashley Graham and Iskra Lawrence have been making waves in the industry for years now and use their platform to encourage women to be more body confident, and it turns out, it's working.

New research from Florida State University saw scientists study a group of 40 women aged between 18 – 22.

All of the women described themselves as wanting to be slimmer, or wanting to loose weight.

The beginning of the study saw the women looking at images of models of various sizes. They were then asked questions about their own bodies.

The study's lead author, Dr Russell Clayton explained to Grazia: "By measuring psychophysiological responses during image exposure, we were able to gain insights into the real-time cognitive and emotional responses that unfold when women are exposed to different-size media fashion models."

When the participants were looking at images of slimmer models, they said they had low self-esteem, and weren't very body confident.

However, when looking at curvier models the women "experienced enhanced psychological health and higher body satisfaction."

 

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"We found overwhelmingly that there is a clear psychological advantage when the media shows more realistic body types than the traditional thin model," added another researcher.

"Women made fewer social comparisons, felt increased body satisfaction, paid more attention to and remembered average and plus-size models.

"Therefore, it might be a useful persuasive strategy for media producers to employ plus-size models if the goal of the campaign is to capture attention while also promoting body positivity."

We're all for that.