The pride framework: a sociocultural–developmental approach for understanding LGBTQ+ adolescents’ body image and disordered eating

Abstract

ABSTRACT This theoretical review paper offers a sociocultural–developmental framework for understanding LGBTQ+ adolescents’ body image concerns and disordered eating risk. The Pride Framework integrates well-established sociocultural theories and extant empirical research, drawing from objectification theory, the tripartite influence model, minority stress theory, and intersectionality theory. The Pride Framework situates sociocultural appearance pressures within the adolescent developmental context, wherein biological, cognitive, and social transitions exacerbate the likelihood of body image disturbances and eating pathology. Various processes are then posited to link these sociocultural–developmental pressures to body image concerns and disordered eating. Crucially, this framework underscores that LGBTQ+ status itself does not pose a risk for body dissatisfaction and eating disorders. Instead, it is the experience of residing in a society that stigmatizes LGBTQ+ identities that increases youth’s vulnerabilities. LGBTQ+ health researchers and practitioners are encouraged to engage in collaborative efforts with the aim of fostering acceptance for LGBTQ+ youth. This, in turn, could support normative adolescent identity exploration processes within sociocultural settings that are both affirming and inclusive, potentially mitigating adverse health consequences associated with body image disturbances.