Body Image Experiences Research Articles

Outcomes and Perceptions of Masculinizing Mammoplasty Among Transgender Men in Brazil.

Transgender men often experience body image dissatisfaction due to incongruence between their gender identity and physical appearance. Masculinizing mammoplasty (MM) aligns physical appearance with gender identity; however, its impact on body image satisfaction in Brazil has not been comprehensively assessed using validated tools. To evaluate satisfaction with chest appearance, nipple aesthetics, and body investment among transgender men in Brazil, comparing those who have undergone MM with those who have not, using validated tools, such as the BODY-Q Chest, BODY-Q Nipple, and Body Investment Scale. This cross-sectional study included 90 transgender men aged ≥18 years recruited between June and September 2024. Participants were allocated to two groups: those who had undergone MM (n=45) and those eligible but had not yet undergone surgery (n=45). Inverse probability of treatment weighting and regression models adjusted for age, BMI, and education level were used. Participants had a mean age of 32.2 years (SD ± 8.1, range: 19-62) and BMI of 27.9 kg/m² (SD ± 4.8). The MM group had a mean time since surgery of 40 months (SD ± 29.2). After adjustment, MM was associated with significantly greater satisfaction with chest appearance (ATE, 60.98; 95% CI 53.02-68.93), nipple aesthetics (ATE, 50.61; 95% CI 38.99-62.23), and body investment (ATE, 11.02; 95% CI 5.66-16.38). Chest binding was significantly reduced in the MM group (P < 0.001). Transgender men in Brazil who underwent MM reported higher body image satisfaction and quality of life, supporting the role of this procedure in enhancing mental health.

Accepting your Body after Cancer (ABC), a group-based online intervention for women treated for breast cancer: study protocol for a feasibility randomised controlled trial

IntroductionBreast cancer is the most common cancer among women worldwide. While increasing numbers of women are living beyond breast cancer, treatment-related body image concerns are common and associated with adverse...

Examination of the Feelings and Experiences of Postpartum Mothers Engaging with Social Media: A Qualitative Study.

Purpose: This study examined how postpartum mothers experience social media within the context of mothering and their postpartum body.Methods: A subsample of 20 mothers (age 23-42) of infants aged 0-6 months who were exposed to body-focused social media posts as part of an experimental study designed to test social media's impact on body dissatisfaction took part in semi-structured interviews. We used thematic analysis to identify themes and subthemes generated from the data.Results: We identified three themes in the study: (i) Social media provides a sense of connection with family and friends as a source of support, and connecting with others to gather information related to mothering and child-rearing; (ii) social media led mothers to engage in comparison regarding their bodies, lifestyles, and baby's development; and: (iii) mothers do not always recognize the influence of social media on their feelings.Conclusions: Findings can help guide prenatal and postpartum interventions and equip healthcare professionals with the information needed to support postpartum mothers in maintaining a positive body image and mothering experience when engaging online.

Body Image Experiences in Retired Olympians: Losing the Embodied Self

Athlete body dissatisfaction is prevalent across sports and can lead to disordered eating, negative affect, and poor mental health. Whether body image concerns persist into athletic retirement is a focus of research, predominately involving survey-based data in usually sub-elite athletic samples. This study is the first to focus on the meanings elite athletes ascribe to their bodies in retirement. We recruited 31 retired elite athletes, including 23 former Olympians, to participate in a semi-structured interview. More than 25 hours of interview data was transcribed verbatim and subject to a reflexive thematic analysis. We constructed 4 major themes to describe athlete experiences: 1) A legacy of body-conscious culture 2) The struggle for “normal”, 3) Loss of body as loss of self, 4) Towards new meanings and identities. Athletes explained how the body surveillance culture of elite sport echoed into their post-sport lives. An Olympian identity was considered an embodied identity, so body changes represented a loss of the self. Adjusting to regular eating and exercise routines was deemed challenging, with minimal access to guidance and support. Accepting the inevitability of physical changes in retirement and finding new meanings and identities, were deemed effective coping strategies. Athletes’ insights can support sport psychologists and elite sport organisations to devise strategies and policies to facilitate adaptation to body changes post-retirement from sport.

I, object: Bringing women’s body image to the table in Northern Ireland

My doctoral research concerns making autoethnographic objects to illustrate my experience of poor body image and bulimia in a broader cultural context. I aimed to highlight how intersectional factors can impact different women’s body images. However, my autoethnography risked inadvertently presenting my (White) experience as generalizable. Holding workshops with my objects was a way to mitigate this possibility, but further reflection on my positionality was needed. Although my participants and I are White, I am an outsider-insider in Northern Ireland. My autoethnographic objects took two forms; one may be best defined as ‘liminal object illustration’. By mimicking tableware, I used their social and cultural associations to destabilize their familiarity and influence the workshop activity. The women made their own objects on themes arising from our conversations for a collaborative exhibition. This article refers to original data from the workshops and exhibition, collected between October 2022 and May 2023.

"My Body Changed a Lot After Taking Medication. I'm Trying to Hide It but…" A Qualitative Exploration of Body Image Experiences of Women Living With Schizophrenia.

Although body image is one of the essential concepts that should be addressed in comprehensive care, the question of how body image affects women with schizophrenia remains unanswered. This study aimed to explore the body image experiences of women living with schizophrenia. This study employed a qualitative approach and participants were recruited from a community mental health center in Türkiye. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 18 women with schizophrenia. Data were analysed via content analysis. The data were categorised into five themes: (i) body image evaluation, (ii) factors affecting body image, (iii) effects of body image distortion, (iv) coping with body image challenges and (v) protective factors. Schizophrenia affects body functionality, appearance and the self. Women living with schizophrenia experience feelings of shame, sadness, worthlessness and anger related to their body appearance. Body image distortion leads to social distancing and treatment compliance problems. Mental health nurses should support patients to express their feelings and thoughts about the body and recognise their beliefs about ideal body image. Patients should be supported with psychoeducational interventions in the management of symptoms associated with body image disturbance such as weight gain, galactorrhea, sedation and hypersalivation.

“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.

A comparison of functionality, rumination, and distraction tasks on women’s state body image and mood after idealised media exposure

Writing tasks that encourage an appreciation of body functionality can improve women’s body image and may buffer against negative effects of idealised media exposure. However, no research has examined whether these tasks can serve as a coping strategy after idealised exposure. To this end, young adult women (N = 217, Mage = 21.63) recruited from an Australian university and general community completed a writing task after idealised media exposure, with state body image measures taken at baseline, post-exposure, and post-task. Women were randomly allocated to one of three writing tasks and asked to appreciate their body functionality, to focus on the previously viewed images (rumination), or to describe a frequently travelled route (distraction). Improvements on outcome measures were equally found across both the functionality and distraction condition. Only body appreciation uniquely improved in the functionality condition. The functionality task was rated more helpful but also more challenging. These findings add to the evidence base regarding the usefulness of functionality-based writing tasks for improving women’s body image. They can offer immediate benefits when experiencing body image distress, as can distraction, and future research should explore their utility in driving more sustained and deeper ways of engaging with one’s body long-term.

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.