Body Image Experiences Research Articles

“Change needs to start at home”: A reflexive thematic analysis of girl athletes' and coaches’ experiences of body image in New Delhi, India

Despite the physical, psychological, and social health benefits of sport participation, multiple barriers keep girls and women on the margins of sport in India. Further, body image concerns are implicated globally as a hindrance to sports engagement among adolescents but are rarely acknowledged in India. Due to a lack of research, the unique restrictions to sport participation faced by girls in India are yet to be understood. Drawing on the Sociocultural Theory of Body Image, this study explored the intersection of body image and sports from the perspectives of Indian athletes and coaches. Twelve athletes (girls aged 11–17 years; football n = 6, netball n = 6) and six coaches (football n = 3, netball n = 3) from New Delhi, India, participated in semi-structured focus groups. Reflexive thematic analysis was used and we formulated three themes: 1) “To Do What We Love, We Must Struggle”; 2) “What Will People Say?”; and 3) “Hold On To Your Power, Be You”. The themes provide a nuanced understanding of the experiences of athletes and coaches on and off the playing field. The findings shed light on several individual and systemic factors, such as harassment, societal norms, feelings of empowerment, and internalising appearance ideals, that impact girls’ engagement with sport in New Delhi, India. Methods to improve sports engagement, discrepancies between athlete and coach perspectives, and recommendations for sports organisations to combat body image concerns and improve sports uptake among girls in an Indian setting are discussed.

Body, belief, and postpartum recovery: perceptions of exercise, body image, and postpartum wellbeing amongst ultra-Orthodox women

ABSTRACT Exercise during the postpartum period positively influences mothers’ mental health, including body image, which is critical for a successful postpartum experience. Ultra-Orthodox women, subject to strict religious laws governing their bodies, strongly adhere to the commandment to procreate, resulting in a higher birth rate compared to the general population. These unique characteristics may find expression in the way religion shapes their postpartum body image and exercise experience. This study aims to explore these elements, addressing the scarcity of research on this population, to better understand unique cultural sensitivities during this critical period of mothers’ health. Semi-structured interviews with ultra-Orthodox postpartum women following 12 weeks of exercise, revealed: (1) The perception of the body among postpartum ultra-Orthodox women, including the body (1.1) perceived as a means, not a goal, (1.2) disrupted by pregnancy, and (1.3) healing through exercise. The second theme found (2) Exercise raises cultural conflicts, and participants (2.1) provided justification for exercise and (2.2) hiding participation. The discussion focuses on the interplay between religious beliefs, the postpartum female body, and internal conflicts arising in relation to the postpartum exercise experience. This qualitative study highlights the ways that these cultural nuances may advance or hinder postpartum wellbeing of ultra-Orthodox women.

A randomized feasibility trial evaluating the "My Changed Body" writing activity for people with endometriosis.

Body image disturbance is prevalent in people with endometriosis. This study aimed to explore the feasibility, acceptability and preliminary efficacy of the My Changed Body (MyCB) writing activity for body image in people with endometriosis. Two-arm randomized controlled pilot and feasibility study. Australian adults living with endometriosis who identified as having had a negative endometriosis-related body image experience were recruited online through Endometriosis Australia. Participants completed a baseline survey capturing demographic and health data before being randomized into the MyCB or control writing conditions. Additional assessment was administered post-activity and at 1-week follow-up. A total of 82 participants were recruited and randomized (Mage = 32 years, SD = 7.8). MyCB participants were less likely to complete the writing tasks compared to the control group (51% vs. 83%); MyCB completers had lower self-compassion and quality of life, and higher psychological distress, compared to those who dropped out. The MyCB activity received good satisfaction rates (47%-87%). However, there was significant drop-out in the MyCB group (n = 4 vs. 13 at 1-week follow-up). Limited-efficacy testing showed an increase in the self-compassion self-identification for the MyCB group. The MyCB writing activity may be feasible for people with endometriosis. A future larger trial will benefit from several methodology changes to enhance recruitment and retention. Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trial Registry ACTRN12622000496718; Date: 29/3/2022; retrospectively registered.

The trajectory of body image dissatisfaction during pregnancy and postpartum and its relationship to Body-Mass-Index.

During pregnancy, women's bodies undergo rapid body weight and size changes within a relatively short period. Pregnancy may therefore, be associated with an increased vulnerability for developing body image dissatisfaction linked to adverse health outcomes for the mother (e.g., depression, eating disorders) and child (e.g., impaired self-regulation, childhood obesity). The present study aims to examine the prevalence and trajectories of body image dissatisfaction during pregnancy and postpartum and its relationship to pre-pregnancy BMI. This is the first study that investigates prevalence rates of body image dissatisfaction not only ante- but also postpartum, and that compares trajectories of women with normal weight and overweight. A prospective longitudinal design with a quantitative approach was applied. Healthy pregnant women (N = 136) answered paper-pencil or online questionnaires at four time points (18th-22nd and 33rd-37th week of gestation, 3 and 6 months postpartum). Body image dissatisfaction was assessed using the German version of the Body Shape Questionnaire (BSQ) and the Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire (EDE-Q). Both questionnaires are considered reliable and valid measures of several aspects of body image, and the BSQ allows for calculating prevalence rates by providing cut-off values. Using not just one but two body image questionnaires, trajectories of body image dissatisfaction can be compared. Pre-pregnancy BMI was assessed retrospectively via self-reported weight and height. The proportion of women reporting elevated levels of body image dissatisfaction was 6.6% (n = 9) in the second trimester, 2.9% (n = 4) in the third trimester, 11.0% (n = 15) three months postpartum, and 10.3% (n = 14) six months postpartum. Repeated measures ANOVA revealed that body image dissatisfaction significantly decreased from pre-pregnancy to pregnancy, remained stable during pregnancy, and returned to pre-pregnancy levels three to six months postpartum. Mixed between-within ANOVA showed that the overweight/obese group reported significantly higher levels of body image dissatisfaction at each measurement point except during the third trimester than women in the normal weight group. Significant but small interaction effects between time and pre-pregnancy BMI were found. The results revealed that approximately every tenth woman is affected by body image dissatisfaction after childbirth. Women with a higher BMI level before pregnancy are particularly at risk of experiencing body image dissatisfaction. Healthcare providers should screen for body image dissatisfaction, in particular after childbirth, and inform affected women about possible adverse health outcomes and treatment options. Study limitations concern the drop-out rate of 51.4% and the retrospective and self-reported assessment of pre-pregnancy BMI. Future studies should include additional assessment points in the first trimester and more than six months postpartum and try to include a matched control group of non-pregnant women to compare prevalence rates and trajectory of body image dissatisfaction.

“Awful Skinny Boys” – Male Musical Theatre Performers’ Experiences of Body Image: A Reflexive Thematic Analysis

Body dissatisfaction is likely to be particularly salient in aesthetically focused professions, including the performing arts. However, there is a paucity of research involving male theatre performers. This study addressed this omission by exploring how male musical theatre actors experience body image. Interviews were conducted with 7 male performers and analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. Findings illustrate the lasting influence that instructors and the training environment have upon the participants’ perceptions of their bodies, participants’ desire to appear masculine through greater muscularity, and the dissatisfaction that occurs when they perceive that their bodies do not conform to rigid notions of gender and body ideals. This study also provides insight into the nuanced experience of existing within a body of worth, often commodified and sold to audiences. These findings highlight the importance of facilitating a supportive training environment and opening up conversations about body dissatisfaction among male performers.

Consuming fitspiration content on Instagram as a risk factor for self-objectification and depression symptoms among sexual minority individuals: Exploring the intersection of gender and sexual orientation

The image-centric nature of Instagram has contributed to the rise of a prominent social media trend known as “fitspiration.” Previous research has shown that exposure to fitspiration content on Instagram can have detrimental effects on body image and mental health, particularly among young heterosexual women. Although sexual minority individuals may similarly be subjected to the objectifying gaze, there is a dearth of research regarding how they perceive and respond to fitspiration content. This study investigates the effects of consuming fitspiration content on Instagram on self-objectification and depression symptoms among sexual minority individuals and explores how gender and sexual orientation interact to shape their body image experiences. A total of 551 sexual minority individuals participated in the study. The results showed that viewing fitspiration content, but not the general use of Instagram, was positively associated with body surveillance and body shame. The association between fitspiration content consumption and depression symptoms was mediated by body surveillance and body shame. The study shed light on the influence of gender and sexual orientation, revealing significant mediation effects among gay men, plurisexual men, and plurisexual women; however, these findings were not observed among lesbian women. Given the substantial burden associated with fitspiration use, social media developers, content creators, and clinicians have a vital role to play in cultivating a body-positive online environment and protecting sexual minority individuals from internalizing objectifying content on social media.

Experiences of body image in the gender non-binary community: A qualitative analysis

Body image concerns are prevalent within transgender communities – many transgender people engage in disordered eating to suppress or accentuate secondary sex characteristics and reduce gender dysphoria. However, this research has mostly been conducted with binary transgender people. Here, we examine how non-binary people experience and relate to their bodies. Semi-structured one-on-one interviews were conducted with 13 gender non-binary individuals living in Australia. Photo elicitation techniques were utilised, and the transcribed interview data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. Six themes were identified: Expansive Understandings of Body Image, Body Image can be Linked to Gender Dysphoria, Cultivating a Preferred Body can Lead to Gender Euphoria, Appreciating Diversity in Non-Binary Body Ideals, The Androgynous Body Ideal is not Universally Accepted, and Experiencing the Body as Functional rather than Aesthetic. The present findings highlight the diversity of experiences of body image for non-binary people. The non-binary concept of body image was found to be expansive, stressing various physical attributes involved in social gender recognition and physiological sources of gender dysphoria. Some participants valued gender-affirming medical intervention, others were accepting of their bodies as they are, attributing their body confidence to the process of affirming their non-binary gender.

Body image and psychosocial outcomes in youth and young adults with differences of sex development: a multi-method study.

Differences of sex development (DSD) can affect the physical health, appearance, and psychosocial functioning of affected individuals, but little is known about how subjective appearance perceptions (body image) impact psychosocial outcomes. This study evaluated body image and its associations with psychosocial outcomes including quality of life, resilience, and psychosocial adjustment. This cross-sectional, multi-method study assessed body image and psychosocial outcomes including quality of life, adjustment, and resilience in 97 youth and young adults with DSD (mean age = 17 ± 3.7 years; 56% assigned female in infancy) using psychometrically sound instruments. A subsample (n = 40) completed qualitative interviews. Quantitative results indicated that overall, participants were satisfied with their physical appearance, although less so with their primary sex characteristics. Body image dissatisfaction was associated with poorer psychosocial adjustment, quality of life, and resilience. Qualitatively, youth and young adults reported a variety of perceptions, both positive and negative, related to their body image and the impact of living with a DSD condition. Themes identified included appearance management; effects of DSD on body image; diagnostic factors and features; attitudes about diagnosis; and treatment. Body image is significantly associated with psychosocial outcomes in youth and young adults with DSD, with qualitative findings highlighting both positive and negative body image experiences. Results have implications for clinical care including screening for appearance concerns, normalization of appearance variations, and intervention development to better support healthy body image and psychosocial functioning in youth and young adults with DSD.

Mental health and body image among SGM youth engaged with a digital eating disorder intervention

Sexual and gender minority (SGM) teens may experience body image concerns and eating disorders (EDs) at higher rates than their non-SGM peers. The current investigation examined differences in baseline survey responses by SGM and non-SGM youth who participated in a pilot randomized controlled trial of a digital intervention for EDs. Eligible teens (N = 147) aged 14–17 years old who screened positive or at high risk for an ED completed a baseline survey to assess current ED symptoms, mental health comorbidities, and ED treatment history. The majority of participants (mean age 16.021 years) screened positive for symptoms of a clinical/subclinical ED (n = 98, 66.7%), 123 endorsed severe anxiety (83.7%), and 81 endorsed severe depression (55.1%). A total of 72.1% (n = 106) identified as SGM and were more likely to report severe symptoms of depression (p = 0.01), any symptoms of anxiety (p = 0.03), social anxiety disorder (p = 0.02), and lifetime suicide attempts (p<.001), compared with non-SGM peers. Qualitative feedback on the intersection of SGM identities and body image concerns were also reported among SGM teens. Future eating disorder interventions provided to SGM youth should include content on comorbidities like depression and anxiety, which may be barriers to ED recovery among SGM teens.

“Angry at the Wrong Thing:” Queering Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy for Clients Experiencing Body Image and Eating Distress

ABSTRACT Unlike classic serotonergic psychedelics, whose psychoactive shifts are recognized as having therapeutic value, ketamine’s perceptual effects are often overshadowed by its rapid antidepressant properties. However, within a ketamine assisted psychotherapeutic (KAP) context, ketamine’s distinct anxiolytic and dissociative features can cocreate a safe setting for client-directed psycho-spiritual exploration, including around body image and feeding disturbances. Eating disorders affect approximately 9% of Americans, and present a significant concern for LGBTQ2SIA+ community. This paper outlines a KAP framework, for further study, that is foundationally queer and grounded in postcolonial and intersectional feminist theories. This paper introduces societal body dysphoria, as a tool for clinicians to recontextualize how unrealistic ideals, identified as a societal distortion rooted in white supremacy, are individually internalized and collectively enforced through self-policing, with the belief that adherence will yield access to power and resources. Within this framework, a case report presents an example of how KAP can facilitate the deconstruction of societal constructs and alleviate distress.

Body image dissatisfaction is associated with perceived body weight among secondary school adolescents in Harar Town, eastern Ethiopia.

Body image dissatisfaction has emerged as an important determinant of dietary and physical activity, which in turn determine adolescents' nutritional status. Hence, it is important to understand predictors of body image dissatisfaction. Therefore, this study aimed to assess body image dissatisfaction and its associated factors among secondary school adolescents in the study area. Data collected for other purposes were used to assess body image dissatisfaction among adolescents in Harar town. Body image dissatisfaction was assessed using the Body Part Satisfaction Scale. Data processing and analysis were performed using STATA version 14, and binary logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with body image dissatisfaction. Factors associated with body image dissatisfaction were determined by estimating AOR along with 95% CI and the statistical significance was declared at a p-value less than or equal to 0.05. The prevalence of body image dissatisfaction was 22.06% [95% CI (19.63, 24.70)]. This study also revealed that males were more dissatisfied with their upper torso and face, and females were more dissatisfied with their middle torso, lower torso, height, and weight than males. In this study, body image dissatisfaction was associated with perception of being fat [AOR = 1.89, 95% CI (1.23, 2.91)], anxiety [AOR = 1.59, 95% CI (1.02, 2.48)], and cigarette smoking [AOR = 1.63, 95% CI (1.03, 2.58)]. Almost one in five secondary school adolescents in Harar had body image dissatisfaction, which was significantly associated with perceptions of being fat, anxiety, and smoking. In this study, a significant number of the adolescents experienced body image dissatisfaction. Hence, all concerned bodies have to take action to reduce the burden.

3D Reconstruction and Virtual Reality Is an Acceptable and Feasible Method for Addressing Body Image in Bariatric Metabolic Surgery

BackgroundPatients living with obesity continue to experience body image dissatisfaction following bariatric metabolic surgery. The underlying reasons are poorly understood but may be due to unmet expectations. Negative body image perception following metabolic surgery leads to poorer psychological and clinical outcomes. This study aims to establish the acceptability and feasibility of three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction and virtual reality (VR) as a method of providing psychological support to bariatric patients to improve body image satisfaction and interventional outcomes.MethodsSeven participants were recruited from the Imperial Weight Centre. 3D photographs were captured and processed to produce two 3D reconstructed images with 15% and 25% total weight loss. Participants were shown their images using VR and participated in peer group workshops.ResultsSix participants were retained until the end of the study. Five out of six participants agreed the images provided them with a more accurate representation of their body changes and overall appearance following bariatric metabolic surgery. All participants strongly agreed with the group setting and felt VR facilitated discussions on body image. Overall, all participants felt that the use of VR and 3D reconstruction is beneficial in supporting patients to adjust to changes in their body image after bariatric metabolic surgery.ConclusionsThis is the first study to explore and demonstrate that 3D reconstruction and VR is an acceptable and feasible method providing patients with a realistic expectation of how their body will change following significant weight loss, potentially improving body image satisfaction after surgery, as well as psychological and interventional outcomes.Graphical

Body image perceptions of pregnant women in the third trimester in Turkey: A qualitative study.

Body image undergoes significant changes during pregnancy, marking a pivotal phase in a woman's life. This study aimed to explore the body image perceptions of primiparous pregnant women during their third trimester. Employing a qualitative research approach grounded in phenomenology, the study involved interviews to explore the experiences of primiparous pregnant women in their third trimester. The interviews were conducted via an online platform, with a sample group of 13 participants chosen through purposive sampling. Data analysis followed a content analysis approach, with the information being transferred to MAXQDA Analytics Pro Qualitative Data Analysis Programme for coding. The study adhered to the reporting guidelines outlined in the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research (COREQ)checklist. Systematic analysis of the interview transcripts led to the identification of three main themes under the overarching framework of body image experiences among primiparous pregnant women during the third trimester: Physical Changes, Mental Changes, and Behavioural and Social Changes. Among the identified themes, pregnant women demonstrated a relatively lower level of discourse regarding Physical Changes, in contrast to a significant emphasis on Mental Changes. Within the latter theme, pregnant women exhibited significant dissatisfaction with their pregnancy experiences significantly. It was determined that pregnant women experience physical and psychological changes related to body image during pregnancy.

Body image as a mediator in the relationship between psychotic experiences and later disordered eating: A 12-month longitudinal study in high school adolescents

IntroductionPsychotic experiences (PE) and disordered eating (DE) are frequently observed among the general population, especially in childhood and adolescence. However, the relationship between the two groups of disorders is still unclear.ObjectivesTo explore the hypothesis that the pathways from PEs to DE are mediated by body-image disturbances in a sample of adolescentsMethodsWe conducted a 12-month longitudinal study on high school students from four different high schools from the Ariana governorate, from April 2022 to April 2023.Participants were evaluated at baseline then every 6 months with a target length of follow-up of 1 year.The questionnaire containedQuestions about socio demographic variablesThe Eating Attitude Test (EAT-26)The Multidimensionnal Body Self-Relations Questionnaire Appearance Scale (MBSRQ-AS)The Community Assesment of Psychic Experiences (CAPE-42)Results1) Sample characteristicsSample was constituted of 510 individuals. Of those, 312 (61.2%) were females. Mean age was of 16.05 (SD=1.01) years.The majority of the students resided in urban areas, accounting for 97.8% of the total.When it comes to family income, 4.1% of the students’ families had an income of less than 1000 Tunisian Dinars (TD), 25.9% had an income between 1000 and 2000 TD, 32.2% had an income ranging from 2000 to 3000 TD, and the remaining 37.8% had a family income of over 3000 TD.The EAT-26, MBSRQ-AS and CAPE-42 scores are shown in table 1. Table 1.The longitudinal evolution of study variables Baseline T 6 months T 12 months pPartial Eta Squared η2Disordered eating (EAT-26)11.9 ± 9.411.9 ± 9.712.6 ± 10.2.080.006Self-classified weight (Body image)6.0 ± 1.75.9 ± 1.66.0 ± 1.6.946.001Body areas satisfaction30.9 ± 6.431.8 ± 6.431.4 ± 6.8.025.010Overweight preoccupation9.3 ± 3.69.2 ± 3.79.2 ± 3.7.545.001Appearance Orientation41.0 ± 5.441.6 ± 5.441.6 ± 5.5.007.014CAPE positive dimension (total)39.6 ± 8.739.1 ± 9.139.7 ± 9.5.756.001Body Mass index21.6 ± 3.421.5 ± 3.221.7 ± 3.2.034.0092) Findings of the mediating analysisDisordered Eating scores had no significant effect in subjects across time. However, the effect of the interaction between baseline Overweight Preoccupation with Disordered Eating across time was statistically significant (p=0.036). Overweight Preoccupation (Z=85.095, p&lt;0.001), Body Area Satisfaction (Z=25.053, p&lt;0.001), and CAPE positive dimension (Z=59.931, p&lt;0.001) scores had significant main effects between subjects. (figure 1 and figure 2)Image:Image 2:ConclusionsFindings showed that body image disturbances mediated the prospective association between PEs and DE. Adolescents with increased PEs were more likely to experience body image disturbances and, in turn, DE symptoms. These findings offer promising new avenues for prevention and early intervention.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared

The Metal in My Body: Patients' Perception and Attitude Toward Orthopedic Implants.

Metal implants are broadly used in orthopedics and traumatology to stabilize bone fragments. This study aimed to explore patients' awareness, body image, and overall experience of living with a metal implant after a fracture. A mixed methods convergent design (QUAN+QUAL) was adopted. A self-reported 30-item questionnaire was used to investigate patients' perception and apprehension of the implantation of orthopedic materials. To enlighten the quantitative findings, semi-structured interviews followed till data saturation. Quantitative and qualitative data were compared during the analysis phase. Results showed that women's and elders' acceptance of the implants was greater than that of men and younger patients even in acute cases. The sense of superiority provided by the implant was mainly reported by the elderly (adjusted odds ratio (ORadj) for increasing age: 1.06; 95% CI: 1.02-1.1; p<0.01), and the sense of inferiority was mainly reported by young men (ORadj: 6.19; 95% CI: 2.36-16.22; p<0.01). Similarly, women and elderly mostly tended to answer that the injured limb felt stronger after the implant placement, while young men tended to answer a sense of weakness with the implant (ORadj for increasing age: 1.06; 95% CI: 1.03-1.09; ORadj for male gender: 4.67; 95% CI: 1.87-11.7; p<0.01 for both regressions). Most participants (56.6%) and mainly young participants, regardless of gender, expressed the desire to get the metal implants removed (ORadj for increasing age: 0.91; 95% CI: 0.89-0.95; p<0.01). Misinformation and misconception were also found in a high percentage of the questioned patients (48.1%). Thematic analysis of the interviews revealed that none of the participants directly attributed any change in their life, self, or body image to the implants. An altered body image was not reported. The most reported experience was the restriction of movement due to the accident or the subsequent physical weakness. Despite the acceptance of the implant being great, the level of patient knowledge was fairly low. The present study highlights the importance of providing patients with information throughout their management to avoid misunderstandings. Age and gender did influence patients' perception of the implants. Personalized assessment is further needed to address body image issues after an implant placement procedure.

Non-Traditionally Aesthetic Body Types for Ideal Sport Performance

The general public often conflates traditional aesthetic appeal with optimal sport performance. Runners, bikers, swimmers, etc. are examples of athletes that generally pass the public’s “eye test” for athleticism, indicating that they may be as athletic as they seem. Such is not always the case for NFL linemen, rugby players, shot putters, etc., suggesting to the general public that these athletes may not be as athletic as they seem. Contrary to popular opinion, athletes are just as likely to experience body image dissatisfaction as non-athletes, this is especially true for athletes that play sports and positions calling for non-traditionally aesthetic physiques. Should these athletes eschew sport performance for aesthetic appeal or should they eschew aesthetic appeal for sport performance when the two are mutually exclusive? Athletes often employ a cost-benefit analysis to determine their answers to these questions and this paper discusses strategies on how to help athletes make decisions that are best for them as individuals.

혈액투석 환자의 신체상, 증상 경험이 삶의 질에 미치는 영향

The purpose of this study is to determine the effect of hemodialysis patients' body image and symptom experience on their quality of life. The data was targeted at patients who were diagnosed with end-stage renal failure at a tertiary general hospital located in J province and receiving regular hemodialysis treatment. The data collection period was from July 20, 2023 to August 11, 2023, and 160 structured questionnaires were distributed, of which 153 were used in the final analysis. Data were analyzed using t-test, One-way ANOVA, Pearson correlation coefficients and multiple regression analysis with the SPSS 28.0 program. Through multiple regression analysis, the factors influencing quality of life were body image (β=.46, p&lt;.001), having an average monthly household income (over 3 million won)(β=.22, p=.002), and symptom experience (β=-.20, p=.001). The combined explanatory power for quality of life was determined to be 47%. It is necessary to accurately assess and intervene, develop educational programs and integrated management programs that reduce symptom experience and improve body image, and establish work standard guidelines.

Disturbed Eating Attitude and Body Shape Apprehension in University Students in Karachi, Pakistan

Eating attitudes play a crucial role in the overall well-being of individuals, particularly among university students who often face various academic, social, and personal stressors. Objective: To examine eating attitudes and body shape apprehensions among university students in Karachi, Pakistan, with a particular focus on private and public institutions. Methods: A cross-sectional study design was utilized to address this objective, selecting 200 students from private sector universities and 200 from public sector universities in Karachi, Pakistan, using purposive sampling. The participants, aged between 19 and (M=22.55, SD=1.813), completed a respondent's profile form, the Eating Attitude Test-26, and the Body Shape Questionnaire-16. Results: The findings revealed that undergraduates in public universities exhibited a significantly higher prevalence of disturbed eating attitudes compared to their counterparts in private universities. However, both groups of students experienced body image concerns at a relatively similar level. Additionally, first-year students in both private and public universities demonstrated significantly higher levels of body shape apprehension and disturbed eating attitudes compared to final-year students. Furthermore, students in social sciences exhibited more body shape apprehension and disturbed eating attitudes than their counterparts in science, engineering, and management faculties in both university sectors. Conclusions: This study underscores the noteworthy issue of disturbed eating attitudes and body shape concerns among university students in Karachi. To curb this problem among undergraduates, diligent monitoring and preventive measures are imperative.

“It’s a Lot Deeper than the Way It Looks”: An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis of Body Image for Men With Eating Disorders

Men represent a proportion of those with eating disorders yet are neglected in the existing literature. One area with limited research is how men with eating disorders experience body image. This study investigated how men with eating disorders make sense of their experience of body image. Ten male participants with diagnosed eating disorders were recruited from four National Health Service specialist adult eating disorder services. Semi-structured interviews were conducted, and data analysed with Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. Analysis identified three themes: ‘Focus on Self’, ‘Focus on Others’ and ‘Systemic Influences and Pressures’. Findings indicated that body image was experienced intrapersonally, interpersonally, and systemically. This study adds to the limited accounts of body image among men with eating disorders. It is recommended that future research explore body image in underrepresented gender and sexuality groups and that clinicians incorporate the nuances of men’s experiences of body image into clinical assessment and treatment.

The Sociostructural-Intersectional Body Image (SIBI) framework: Understanding the impact of white supremacy in body image research and practice

White supremacy and racial inequities have long pervaded psychological research, including body image scholarship and practice. The experiences of white, heterosexual, able-bodied, cisgender (predominantly college) women from wealthy, Westernized nations have been centered throughout body image research and practice, thereby perpetuating myths of invulnerability among racialized groups and casting white ideals and experiences as the standard by which marginalized bodies are compared. Body image is shaped by multiple axes of oppression that exist within systemic and structural systems, ultimately privileging certain bodies above others. In this position paper, we highlight how white supremacy has shaped body image research and practice. In doing so, we first review the history of body image research and explain how participant sampling, measurement, interpretive frameworks, and dissemination of research have upheld and reinforced white supremacy. Next, grounded in inclusivity and intersectionality, we advance the Sociostructural-Intersectional Body Image (SIBI) framework to more fully understand the body image experiences of those with racialized and minoritized bodies, while challenging and seeking to upend white supremacy in body image research and practice. We encourage other scholars to utilize the SIBI framework to better understand body inequities and the body image experiences of all people, in all bodies.