“I’m actually pretty happy with how I am”: a mixed-methods study of young women with positive body image

Abstract

Objective Previous research on body image has tended to overlook what contributes to positive body image. The aim of the present study was to explore the perspectives of female undergraduate students with positive body image. Design Nineteen young women who were studying at a New Zealand university (mean age 19.61) and self-reported positive body image participated in focus groups discussing body image. Main outcome measure Thematic analysis resulted in four themes. Results The young women described a positive shift in body image that occurred between adolescence and early adulthood (theme 1). They were critical of messages about the female body within media and made conscious decisions about media they engage with (theme 2). They expressed a functional conceptualisation of their bodies and had strategies for responding to negative thoughts and feelings (theme 3). Religious and cultural identity played a specific role in body positivity for some participants (theme 4). Conclusion These findings highlight the developmental nature of positive body image and the role of adopting critical awareness when engaging with media. The findings support and elaborate on previous research suggesting that those with positive body image utilise a body-protective filter and demonstrate novel aspects of young women’s body positivity.