The Body Image Project: Mobilizing Policy Research for Children’s Health

Abstract

Knowledge mobilization projects attempt to make theory and research available in order to inform policy and practice. This paper describes a knowledge mobilization project at a Canadian university. A database of Canadian health curriculum policies was analyzed to discern the general approaches to body image across the country. The findings show that learning how to cultivate a positive body image is inconsistently addressed across the education policies of the thirteen provinces and territories. Secondly, many Canadian curriculum policy documents have missed opportunities to teach acceptance of diverse body types and other protective factors. Third, health is more strongly associated with fitness in policies than with more holistic approaches. A knowledge mobilization website project was established to encourage more critical understandings of healthy self-esteem and body image. The website contains summaries of current research pertaining to body image, child and adolescent development, and key messages about body-positive health. The online and open source material available includes ageappropriate lessons for teachers and parents. These materials have been designed to translate research into activities, lessons, and key messages that promote healthy body image and self-esteem.