Florida State University expert discusses impact of viral dorm makeovers on mental health

Stephanie Sickler, an associate professor at the Florida State University School of Design, suggests that the viral #DormTok trend of personalizing college dorm rooms has complex implications for student mental health.

Research published in “Anxiety, Stress, & Coping” indicates that students whose living environments align with their ideal vision report better well-being, while those whose spaces lack this alignment may experience higher levels of anxiety and depression. Sickler notes that while personalizing a space can create a restorative and supportive environment, the extreme disparities seen in social media makeovers can lead to negative social consequences.

Specifically, elaborate decorations may act as a marker of perceived social worth among residents. Furthermore, the pressure to maintain certain aesthetics seen online can negatively impact student self-esteem if they feel unable to meet those standards.