Positive Body Research Articles

Liberating the Postpartum Body: The Effects of Movement on Body Image Amongst Postpartum Ultra-Orthodox Women in Israel.

Body image is a major postpartum problem negatively correlated with postpartum depression. The present study tests this correlation amongst ultra-Orthodox women in Israel and analyses whether movement classes are effective in improving postpartum body image. Utilising a mixed-methods approach, the study followed two groups of ultra-Orthodox postpartum women (n = 45): one group that participated in movement classes (n = 23) and a comparison group that did not (n = 22). Results of the study found a negative correlation between depression and body image amongst ultra-Orthodox women (r(53) = -0.342, p < .05) and a trend of movement classes positively affecting postpartum body image (t(43) = 1.388, p = .086). Furthermore, semi-structured interviews found three themes as to how movement 1. Regulates emotions, 2. Releases stress and 3. Places the mother at the centre. Discussion of the results highlights the importance of maintaining positive body image and emotional health in the postpartum period, and that, according to the perception of participants in this study, movement positively contributed to their sense of self and coping abilities. These connections are critical regarding ultra-Orthodox women, whose birth rate is significantly higher relative to broader society. The current study should serve as a basis for encouraging postpartum movement participation amongst ultra-Orthodox and other similar conservative religious sectors of society.

Exploring the multifaceted impact of breast cancer on the body image

AbstractThe goal of the study is to describe variables contributing to body image concerns among breast cancer survivors to foster positive body image. Participants for this qualitative study were recruited through convenience sampling (N = 10). The participants' ages ranged from 48 to 80, with an average of 64 years old. Data were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis. Four themes concerned with body image were age at diagnosis, intimate partnership, preparedness for physical changes, and mental fluidity. Results from this study were used to develop strategies that can be adopted to improve the body image of cancer patients and survivors.

Risk of eating disorders and body image in adolescents in Belgium: is migration status a modifier?

Abstract Background The risk of eating disorders (ED) has been linked to body image (BI) dissatisfaction in adolescents. In addition, the origin and host country culture may influence BI dissatisfaction. Our objective was to assess the modifying effect of migratory status on the association between BI and risk of ED in Belgium, a setting characterized by a large proportion of migrant adolescents. Methods In the 2022 cross-sectional “Health Behaviour in School-aged Children” (HBSC) study in French-speaking schools, 7,267 adolescents aged 12 to 20 self-completed questionnaires. Risk of ED was determined by an Eating Attitude Test (EAT-7), score ≥5. BI was categorised into 3 groups: “too thin”, “about the right size” and “too fat”. Migratory status was divided into “native”, “2nd generation” and “1st generation” migrants. The association between BI and ED was estimated using logistic regressions adjusted for socioeconomic and psychosocial characteristics. After the inclusion of the “migration*BI” interaction term, migration-stratified logistic regressions were conducted. Results Overall, 13.0% of students were at risk of ED. Percentages of ED were 15.7% among those who perceived themselves as “too fat” (vs. “about the right size”: aOR=1.67 [95%CI: 1.34-2.08]) and 19.4% in the “too thin” group (aOR=3.36 [2.54-4.45]). Despite non-significant interaction terms, perceiving themselves as “too fat” (vs. “about the right size”) was not associated with the risk of ED in 1st generation migrants (aOR: 1.24 [0.67-2.29]). Compared with the overall estimation, it was lower in 2nd generation migrants (aOR: 1.43 [1.00-2.03]) while it was slightly higher in natives (aOR: 1.95 [1.45-2.62]). Conclusions These findings suggest complex interrelations between BI and risk of ED according to migratory status in adolescents with potential underlying mechanisms involving cultural norms. Promoting positive BI as a possible way for preventing the development of eating disorders need to be further investigated. Key messages • This study shows differences of body image dissatisfaction according to the migratory status in adolescents, inducing potential impacts on the risk of eating disorders. • Better understanding differences in body perception related to cultural background could help prevent risk of eating disorders in adolescents, by promoting positive body image for example.

#DisabledBodyPositivity: A content analysis of body positive Instagram posts in the disabled community

Accumulating research has supported the potential for body positivity content on Instagram to challenge predominant appearance ideals and promote a healthier body image. However, research in diverse groups is lacking – in particular, individuals with a disability have largely been neglected. Using #Disabled #BodyPositivity, this analysis examined the content of 623 body positive posts on Instagram. Posts were coded for body and appearance-attributes and themes relating to positive body image, appearance ideals, disability, and health. Posts were also examined for contradictory messaging (i.e., body positivity themes alongside the pursuit of appearance ideals). Results demonstrated an inclusion of diverse body and appearance-attributes, however, posts predominantly depicted young, White women. While only 45.06 % of posts contained at least one positive body image theme, our results identified positive themes specific to the disabled community, such as disability pride and activism. Besides the significant relationship between the presence of body positive themes and body and food shame, contradictory messaging was not found. Future research examining the effects of exposure to body positivity messaging on social media among those with a disability is warranted.

Relationship between Positive Body Image,Body Dissatisfaction, Physical Activity, Internalization of Beauty Ideals, and Body Mass Index in Adolescents from the Colombian Caribbean Coast.

Evaluar la Imagen Corporal Positiva (ICP) y su relación con la apreciación corporal, las actitudes corporales masculinas, los desórdenes alimenticios, las actitudes hacia la apariencia y el índice de masa corporal (IMC) en adolescentes de la Costa Caribe colombiana. Se realizó un estudio cuantitativo de corte transversal, donde la muestra estuvo conformada por 300 jóvenes entre los 13 y los 19 años. (M=16,44; DE= 1,82), 151 eran mujeres (50.3%) y 149 eran hombres (49.7%). El Índice De Masa Corporal (IMC) medio de los participantes fue 21,86 (DE = 3.65) el cual se encuentra en el rango normal. Todos los participantes eran estudiantes (de colegio y universitarios) de la ciudad de Barranquilla. Los mayores Índice de Masa Corporal (IMC) están relacionados con menor apreciación corporal, menor respeto por el propio cuerpo y menor resistencia a la presión de los medios. Además, aquellos adolescentes que realizaban una mayor actividad física reportaron una mejor imagen corporal. Además, una mayor Imagen Corporal Positiva se relaciona con la disminución de trastornos alimentarios y con la disminución de la influencia de las redes sociales. En todas las dimensiones analizadas podemos apreciar claramente el impacto beneficioso para el ser humano que tiene esta apreciación, y la necesidad de investigar más esta variable de la psicología en el contexto Latinoamericano para cubrir este vacío que actualmente existe en la investigación.

The associations between positive body image, well-being and psychological flexibility in breast cancer survivors

ABSTRACT In Italy, breast cancer survivors are increasing. Body image is a complex posttreatment concern for breast cancer survivors, particularly younger women. This population reports higher levels of body-image concerns associated with higher psychological distress and lower quality of life. Body image concerns and factors that can impact the body image of older breast cancer survivors remain an important but under-explored research area. The purpose of this study is to examine the association of negative and positive body image with both well-being and psychological inflexibility in a sample of breast cancer survivors. 114 women who have completed breast cancer treatment (±5 years) completed a questionnaire to measure the research variables. Hierarchical regressions and indirect effects were performed. Functionality appreciation and body compassion accounted for a significant percentage of the variance of well-being (34%) and psychological inflexibility (50%) of the participants. The indirect effect of body dissatisfaction on well-being and psychological inflexibility through body compassion was significant. The results emphasise the relevance of the positive aspect of body image on well-being and psychological inflexibility. Functionality appreciation and body compassion contribute to understanding the health-status description of these women and could be considered in future health-promotion interventions aimed at reducing psychological distress associated with body image concerns in older breast cancer survivors.

BoPo online, BoPo offline? Engagement with body positivity posts, positive appearance comments on social media, and adolescents' appearance-related prosocial tendencies

Encouraging prosocial tendencies toward others' physical appearance is crucial for promoting a positive body image during adolescence. Social media content that highlights positive appearance messages can significantly influence these tendencies. Hence, this three-wave panel study explored the impact of exposure to and the posting of Body Positivity (BoPo) posts and positive appearance comments on social media upon adolescents' offline prosocial behavioral tendencies towards others’ appearances, as mediated by appearance-related prosocial reasoning. Using a sample of adolescents aged 12 to 18 (N = 496, Mage = 15.05, SD = 1.49; 67.9% girls), the hypotheses received partial support. At the between-person level, adolescents who more often viewed BoPo and posted positive appearance comments also reported higher appearance-related prosocial tendencies. Nonetheless, on the within-person level, only more often posting positive appearance comments predicted a change to more appearance-related prosocial reasoning from T2 to T3. Notably, the mediation pathways from exposure to and the posting of BoPo and positive appearance comments to appearance-related prosocial tendencies through prosocial reasoning were not significant. Such findings suggest the presence of more significant sources for appearance-related prosocial tendencies than social media during adolescence. Still, the between-person findings can be valuable for peer-led campaigns that aim to foster a positive body image. Such campaigns could identify adolescents with heightened appearance-related prosocial tendencies who tend to engage with body positivity posts and positive appearance comments on social media.

State affect and body image effects of body positive social media content within a female chronic illness sample

Body positivity refers to a movement, popularized on social media, that encourages the normalization and acceptance of bodies diverging from sociocultural ideals, specifically within marginalized communities. Previous studies suggest that briefly viewing body positive social media content may lead to increased body satisfaction and positive affect in young women relative to thin-ideal and appearance-neutral content. Diminished body functionality and appearance change due to chronic illness poses a unique challenge to positive body image in young adults living with chronic illness. Typical body positive social media content may not be useful for this community since chronic illnesses are often not outwardly depicted, so the current study aimed to examine the state effects before and after viewing body positive social media content in a sample of young women (N=201) with at least one self-reported chronic illness. Participants (Mage = 29.4, SD = 6.74; 79.2 % white) were randomly assigned to view one of two sets of 10 images: chronic illness body positive and typical body positive. Participants completed a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) pre- and post-stimuli exposure. Findings from repeated measures ANOVA revealed significant interaction between time and group for negative affect (F(1198) = 4.402, p =.037) and broad conceptualization of beauty (F(1199) = 4.288, p =.040), such that those exposed to the chronic illness stimuli reported a larger reduction in negative affect and an increase in conceptualization of beauty beyond the non-chronically ill ideal post-exposure. Thus, exposure to body positive social media content inclusive of chronic illness may be more useful in stabilizing affect and promoting greater positive body image within the community. These findings highlight the importance of inclusive body positive portrayals in terms of dimensions beyond weight and shape to account for the effects of diminished body functionality.

Positive body image and childbearing intention: A cross-sectional study

BackgroundChildbearing plays a crucial role in population movements and one of the most important factors in societal development. Nowadays, given the decrease in fertility rates, especially in developed and some developing countries, and the multitude of factors affecting these rates, this study aims to investigate the association of positive body image and childbearing intention in Iran. MethodsThis descriptive and cross-sectional study involved all health care centers of Qaen city, eastern Iran. The list of reproductive-age women and men in each center was extracted from the Ministry of Health of Iran's database. Ultimately, 494 individuals were included in the study using available convenience sampling method. Data were collected applying demographic information questionnaire, “body appreciation scale-2 (BAS-2) and childbearing intention questionnaire. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS.26 software. ResultsOf 494 participants in this study, 50 % were men. The average age of the participants was 32.25 years (SD = 8.02). The average age of women was higher than that of men. In this study, the mean and SDs of positive body image score and childbearing intention were 39.49 (SD = 8.14) and 2.36 (SD = 1.63), respectively. In general, a positive and significant correlation was found between age (r = 0.126, p = 0.005), income (r = 0.137, p = 0.002), physical activity (r = 0.127, p = 0.005) and positive body image (r = 0.482, p < 0.001) with childbearing intention. After categorizing childbearing intention into two groups, “less than 2 children" and “2 children and more", the results of simple regression modeling showed that age, income, physical activity, body appreciation, bachelor's education and being an employee are associated with intention to have two or more children. Using multiple logistic regression modeling, a statistically significant association was observed between the childbearing intention at an older age, (OR = 1.07, p < 0.001) as well as positive body image (OR = 1.20, p < 0.001). ConclusionsThe findings indicated a significant and positive association between positive body image and couples' fertility intention. In other words, alongside external factors, internal factors such as body appreciation can influence childbearing intention and population growth rate, which highlights the importance of considering internal factors in childbearing intention.

Sexual Satisfaction in a Sample of Italian Women during the COVID-19 Lockdown Period

This study explored the relationships among psychological, relational, and sexual factors and their impact on sexual satisfaction among Italian women during the COVID-19 lockdown. Data were collected via an online survey with 3803 participants. The survey assessed mental health, relationship quality, frequency of sexual intercourse, frequency of masturbation, body awareness, and sexual satisfaction. Correlation analyses revealed positive relationships among all the variables and negative relationships with low mental health. A network analysis showed that sexual satisfaction was the most central variable, strongly linked to relationship quality, frequency of sexual intercourse, and body awareness. An exploratory mediation model examined the indirect effects of mental health and frequency of masturbation on sexual satisfaction through the other variables as mediators. The results indicated that mental health negatively influenced sexual satisfaction both directly and indirectly through relationship quality and body awareness, while frequency of masturbation had a positive indirect effect through body awareness. These findings highlight the complex interplay among mental health, body awareness, relational factors, and sexual satisfaction, emphasizing the importance of holistic approaches in enhancing sexual well-being. Future research should focus on longitudinal studies to establish causality and explore interventions that promote positive body awareness and relationship quality.

Predicting the heat release variability of Li-ion cells under thermal runaway with few or no calorimetry data

Accurate measurement of the variability of thermal runaway behavior of lithium-ion cells is critical for designing safe battery systems. However, experimentally determining such variability is challenging, expensive, and time-consuming. Here, we utilize a transfer learning approach to accurately estimate the variability of heat output during thermal runaway using only ejected mass measurements and cell metadata, leveraging 139 calorimetry measurements on commercial lithium-ion cells available from the open-access Battery Failure Databank. We show that the distribution of heat output, including outliers, can be predicted accurately and with high confidence for new cell types using just 0 to 5 calorimetry measurements by leveraging behaviors learned from the Battery Failure Databank. Fractional heat ejection from the positive vent, cell body, and negative vent are also accurately predicted. We demonstrate that by using low cost and fast measurements, we can predict the variability in thermal behaviors of cells, thus accelerating critical safety characterization efforts.

Building Blocks of Parent-Child Sex Communication: Body Talk During Infancy and Early Childhood

ABSTRACT The current study investigated how foundational conversations about the body and sexuality begin, how they develop longitudinally, and whether parental body talk varies as a function of characteristics of both the parent and child. Participants included 442 mothers (M age = 32.50, SD = 5.61, 93% heterosexual, 85% White) and 337 available father-figures (M age = 33.99, SD = 5.68, 98% heterosexual, 80% White), who were the parents of infants (age at Time 1 = 28.13 months, SD = 6.85, 52% male). Factor analyses suggested that parents engaged in positive, avoidant, and scolding body talk with their young children, and growth curve analyses suggested that frequency of positive body talk increased from when the child was age two to when they were age four for both mother- and father-figures. Results also suggested that the most consistent predictors of body talk included parents’ perceptions of whether their child was too young to discuss sexuality, and the child’s own questions and behaviors about their bodies and sexuality. The discussion focuses on the frequency of parental body talk and the active role of the child in the early socialization of healthy sexuality.

Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy in Mothers: The Body Image and Emotional Intelligence Perspective

BackgroundBreastfeeding is a dynamic and complex process. Due to its complex nature, many reasons affect one another. Recent studies have focused on breastfeeding rates and factors that affect the early termination of breastfeeding. However, studies evaluating the relationship of body image and emotional intelligence concepts with breastfeeding self-efficacy have remained limited to date, resulting in a significant gap in the literature. AimThe present study was carried out to determine the relationship between breastfeeding self-efficacy, body image, and emotional intelligence of postpartum mothers. MethodsThe descriptive and cross-sectional study was conducted with 400 mothers. The data were collected using the Descriptive Information Form, the Body Image Scale (BIS), Schutte Emotional Intelligence Scale (SEIS), and the Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale (BSES). The data were evaluated with the SPSS program, using percentages, mean values, independent t-test,One-Way ANOVA, and Pearson's correlation and regression. ResultsThe mothers’ mean age was 29.99±5.46 years. The mean total scores that mothers obtained from the scales were found to be 123.47±23.45 for the BIS, 144.46±13.11 for the SEIS, 51.81±9.46 for the BSES-SF. In the correlation analysis results, there was no correlation between the BSES-SF and SEIS. A statistically significant positive correlation was determined between the BIS and BSES-SF. Considering the regression analysis, it is seen that 7.4% of the change in mothers’ breastfeeding self-efficacy is explained by body image (R^2 = 0.074) ConclusionThe study found that positive body image increases breastfeeding self-efficacy. There is a need for additional longitudinal research examining the body image and emotional intelligence perspective of breastfeeding self-efficacy.

Body Image and Eating Behaviour in Adolescents Loving Korean Wave Culture

The Korean wave has developed into a popular culture in the global community, especially adolescents in the last two decades. Cultural programs that include idols/bands, movies, dramas, variety shows, and webtoons are in great demand. The image of Korean women can influence adolescents' perceptions of ideal body shapes and eating behaviors. This study aims to analyze correlations between Korean culture viewing habits with body image and eating behavior among adolescents in West Java. This research is a cross-sectional study, conducted in West Java during April 2023 using the online structured questionnaire. The total subjects of this research were 467 adolescents. The results of the study stated that the subjects in this study were women (81.2%), college students (66.6%), Korean show enthusiasts (66.6%), Kpop enthusiasts (68.3%), Kdrama enthusiasts (77.5%), and webtoon enthusiasts (50.3%). Most of them thought that Korean idols were attractive (96.4%), and sometimes they want theirs body shape as their idols (46.5%). There were differences in body image and eating behavior among K-show (p=0.046 &amp;amp; p=0.039), Kpop (p=0.048, p=0.027, p=0.024, &amp;amp; p=0,000), and Kdrama enthusiasts (p=0.026) but there were no differences between enthusiasts of webtoon. Our findings show the Korean wave culture is one of the causes of adolescents experiencing body dissatisfaction, which is an important predictor of eating problems. Awareness of the importance of positive body image and healthy weight control behavior concepts is necessary.

The importance of hair satisfaction in appearance evaluation among black adolescent girls

Physical appearance evaluation is important in the emotional wellbeing of adolescent girls; however, hair satisfaction may be a distinct domain of appearance evaluation, particularly for Black adolescent girls. In a cross-sectional study of 193 low-income adolescent girls (Mean age = 15.4), we test if: 1) Black adolescent girls differ in hair satisfaction relative to White and Latina adolescent girls; 2) hair satisfaction is related to discrimination experiences among Black adolescent girls; 3) hair satisfaction is more strongly associated with depressive symptoms in Black versus White and Latina adolescent girls (i.e., moderating effects). Results indicate that Black adolescent girls report less hair satisfaction than White (d = −.79) and Latina (d = −.60) adolescent girls. Importantly, this was the only area of appearance evaluation in which racial/ethnic differences emerged compared to other domains (i.e., overall body, weight, face, lower torso, mid torso, and upper torso). Hair satisfaction was significantly inversely correlated with discrimination experiences only among Black adolescent girls (r = −.31), and hair satisfaction predicted lower depressive symptoms only among Black adolescent girls (β = −.53). These findings highlight the importance of considering hair in appearance evaluation research in adolescents and incorporating hair in interventions to promote positive body image.

The Impact of Social Media and Socio-Cultural Attitudes toward Body Image on the Risk of Orthorexia among Female Football Players of Different Nationalities.

Orthorexia Nervosa (ON) is an emerging behavioral pattern characterized by an obsessive focus on healthy eating. Despite its prevalence, ON lacks formal diagnostic criteria in major classification systems like the DSM-5 and the ICD-10. This study aims to investigate the impact of socio-cultural attitudes towards body image and the role of social media on the risk of ON among female football players from Poland, Turkey, and India. This study hypothesizes that socio-cultural pressures and media usage significantly influence the risk of developing ON, particularly in cultures more exposed to Western beauty ideals. The study was conducted from May to August 2024, employing the Computer-Assisted Web Interview method. A total of 142 female football players aged 16-36 from Poland, Turkey, and India participated. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire that included demographic information and health metrics, the Socio-Cultural Attitudes Towards Appearance Questionnaire, and the Duesseldorf Orthorexia Scale. Statistical analyses included an ANOVA, the Kruskal-Wallis test, the chi-square test, and Pearson's correlation coefficient. The study found that nearly half of the participants were at risk of or presented with ON, with the highest prevalence being among Indian athletes. Statistically significant relationships were observed between the risk of ON and factors such as age, dietary exclusions, social media usage, and sources of nutritional information. However, no significant correlation was found between socio-cultural attitudes and the risk of ON, suggesting that other factors may play a more critical role. While socio-cultural pressures and media use are contributing factors to the risk of ON, psychological factors and individual behaviors appear to be equally, if not more, significant. This study highlights the importance of targeted educational programs and psychological support for young athletes, with a focus on promoting healthy dietary practices and positive body image perceptions across varying cultural contexts. Additionally, the results suggest the need for further research into the specific psychological and behavioral mechanisms underlying ON.

Eating disorders and health literacy in Germany: results from two representative samples of adolescents and adults.

Eating disorders are associated with substantial burden for the affected individuals including negative health outcomes and increased mortality. So far, prevention programs for eating disorders have yielded mixed results concerning their efficacy. Therefore, more targeted prevention programs need to be developed. Health literacy has been identified as a potential influencing factor of eating disorders. This study aimed at exploring the relationship between likely cases of eating disorders and health literacy, alongside additional sociodemographic factors. Two large samples of adults (N = 3,011) and adolescents (N = 1,021) representative of the German-speaking population in Germany were recruited. Likely cases of eating disorders were identified using the SCOFF questionnaire. Health literacy was assessed with the HLS-EU-Q16 questionnaire. Sociodemographic information, including age, gender, social status and level of education, and subjective body image were obtained. χ2-tests of independence were calculated to determine the association between the investigated constructs. Suspected eating disorders were more likely in female than male adolescents but were not related to gender in adults. Rates of suspected eating disorders increased with increasing age in adolescents and decreased with increasing age in adults. While levels of education were unrelated to suspected eating disorders, low social status was associated with higher rates of suspected eating disorders in adults but not adolescents. Inadequate or problematic health literacy and negative body image were associated with higher rates of suspected eating disorders compared to adequate health literacy and more positive body image. Likely cases of eating disorders are related to health literacy and body image as well as sociodemographic factors. These constructs should therefore be addressed in future research to improve prevention programs.

197 Hepatic mRNA expression of innate and adaptive immune genes in beef steers with divergent residual body weight gain

Abstract Immune function has a pivotal role in dictating the overall health and productivity of cattle. In a proficient immune system, the liver assumes an integral function in detoxification and metabolic processes and contributes substantially to overall production and immunity. In this study, we evaluated the hepatic mRNA expression of genes involved in innate and adaptive immunity in crossbred beef steers with positive or negative residual body weight (BW) gain (RADG). Positive-RADG beef steers (n = 8; RADG = 0.76 kg/d) and negative-RADG beef steers (n = 8; RADG = -0.64 kg/d) were identified from a group of 108 growing crossbred beef steers (average BW = 286 ± 380kg) after a 56-d performance testing period. At the end of the 56-d period, liver tissue samples were collected from the beef steers for RNA extraction and cDNA synthesis. The mRNA expression of 84 genes involved in innate and adaptive immunity were analyzed using pathway-focused PCR-based arrays. The mRNA expression of genes with false discovery rate-adjusted P-values (FDR) ≤ 0.05 and absolute fold change (FC) ≥ 1.2 were determined to be differentially expressed. Out of the 84 genes analyzed, four genes [interleukin (IL)-2, MYD88, CD-80, NFkB-1] were differentially expressed and were all upregulated in positive compared with negative-RADG beef steers. Gene ontology pathway enrichment analysis of the differentially expressed genes revealed that pathways related to positive regulation of IL-17 production, cellular response to lipopolysaccharide, and positive regulation of lymphocyte activation were enriched in the positive-RADG steers (P ≤ 0.05). In conclusion, our study revealed that positive-RADG beef steers had increased expression of genes and pathways involved in pathogen recognition and initiation of responses to effectively fight off infections while mitigating excess inflammatory reactions compared with negative-RADG steers, which might explain, in part, the improved feed efficiency of these beef animals

Retail therapy? The role of positive body image in women’s clothing experiences and preferences for in-store shopping environments

PurposeDespite the online shopping trend, many women still prefer in-store experiences for trying on and buying clothes. The body positivity movement endorsed by many brands implies that all women, even those with lower body appreciation, should feel included in this setting. However, studies have yet to quantitatively explore the mediating role of women’s positive body image between clothing size and in-store experiences. To address this gap, this study examined the in-store experiences of 642 women from largely Western nations (Mage = 45.96, standard deviation (SD) = 9.31) who self-reported as straight-, mid- and plus-sizes and the mediating role of body appreciation.Design/methodology/approachParticipants completed online questionnaires with measures including clothing size, body appreciation, in-store experiences and preferences for in-store changes.FindingsWomen of mid-size and plus-size were more likely than women of straight-size to report lower body appreciation, which led to a greater desire for guidance from staff about styles but less likelihood to approach them, higher discomfort going up a size and lower confidence trying on clothes. In contrast, straight-size women generally felt more comfortable and confident in-store clothes shopping. A direct link between clothing size and lower purchase intentions without in-store representation was found; however, body appreciation did not mediate this link. Preferences for in-store changes included better support from sales staff and more inclusive imagery.Originality/valueThis study indicates that in-store clothes shopping may not feel like retail therapy for women who identify as mid-size or plus-size and experience low body appreciation. It highlights the need for comprehensive reform within the fashion retail industry by prioritizing inclusivity through better staff support and in-store representation for all sizes.

Self-appreciation is not enough: exercise identity mediates body appreciation and physical activity and the role of perceived stress.

This study explores the relationship between body appreciation and physical activity, focusing on the mediating role of exercise identity and the moderating effect of perceived stress. While individuals with positive body image are generally thought to engage in proactive physical activity, it remains unclear whether this positive attitude necessarily promotes exercise. We conducted a short-term longitudinal survey, recruiting 345 college students 28 (100 females, 245 males; M age = 22.94, SD = 5.99) who completed questionnaires at two-week intervals for a total of three times within four weeks. Body appreciation, exercise identity, perceived stress, and physical activity were measured for the participants separately. The results demonstrated that body appreciation positively predicted physical activity, exercise identity partially mediated the positive effect of body appreciation on physical activity, and perceived stress played a moderating role in body appreciation and exercise identity. These results highlight the significant role of body appreciation in influencing physical activity through exercise identity, with perceived stress further moderating this relationship. The study underscores the importance of promoting body appreciation and regulating stress to enhance physical activity engagement among college students.