Pub Date : 2025-12-01DOI: 10.1016/j.bodyim.2025.101968
Wenn Lynn Ooi , Helen Nasser , Julian Simmons , Isabel Krug
{"title":"Corrigendum to “A systematic review and meta-analysis on the temporal relationship between appearance comparisons and body dissatisfaction: Body image 53 (2025) 101885”","authors":"Wenn Lynn Ooi , Helen Nasser , Julian Simmons , Isabel Krug","doi":"10.1016/j.bodyim.2025.101968","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.bodyim.2025.101968","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":48312,"journal":{"name":"Body Image","volume":"55 ","pages":"Article 101968"},"PeriodicalIF":5.4,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145082084","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"心理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-11-28DOI: 10.1016/j.bodyim.2025.102002
Jade Portingale , Isabel Krug , David Butler
Disturbances in bodily self-perception, particularly self-face perception, characterize body dysmorphic disorder (BDD). However, the mechanisms underlying these disturbances and potential ways to modify them remain unclear. To address these gaps, we investigated whether alterations in self-face representation and underlying multisensory experiences—indexed via an enfacement illusion—are linked to symptoms of BDD or its subtype muscle dysmorphia (MD). We also explored whether experiencing the enfacement illusion can reduce face and body image disturbance. Sixty-two male participants (M = 22.6 years, SD = 3.5) completed synchronous (illusion inducing) and asynchronous (control) visuo-motor stimulation between their own face and an unfamiliar person’s face. Results showed that elevated BDD symptoms predicted greater objective enfacement (shifts in self-face recognition thresholds during a self-other morphing task) and exclusively predicted subjective enfacement (self-reported shifts in face recognition), whereas MD symptoms were unrelated to enfacement susceptibility. Synchronous visuo-motor stimulation reduced head, body, and muscularity dissatisfaction across the sample, while asynchronous stimulation produced inconsistent effects on body image. BDD and MD symptom levels did not moderate most body image changes. These findings suggest that BDD may reflect abnormalities in the visual and multisensory integration processes underlying self-face representation, contributing to weakened self–other boundaries. These insights may advance understanding of bodily identity and social-cognitive difficulties in BDD. While enfacement-based interventions show modest therapeutic potential, future refinements are needed.
{"title":"Weakened self-other boundaries during multisensory integration in men with body dysmorphic disorder symptoms","authors":"Jade Portingale , Isabel Krug , David Butler","doi":"10.1016/j.bodyim.2025.102002","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.bodyim.2025.102002","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Disturbances in bodily self-perception, particularly self-face perception, characterize body dysmorphic disorder (BDD). However, the mechanisms underlying these disturbances and potential ways to modify them remain unclear. To address these gaps, we investigated whether alterations in self-face representation and underlying multisensory experiences—indexed via an enfacement illusion—are linked to symptoms of BDD or its subtype muscle dysmorphia (MD). We also explored whether experiencing the enfacement illusion can reduce face and body image disturbance. Sixty-two male participants (<em>M</em> = 22.6 years, <em>SD</em> = 3.5) completed synchronous (illusion inducing) and asynchronous (control) visuo-motor stimulation between their own face and an unfamiliar person’s face. Results showed that elevated BDD symptoms predicted greater objective enfacement (shifts in self-face recognition thresholds during a self-other morphing task) and exclusively predicted subjective enfacement (self-reported shifts in face recognition), whereas MD symptoms were unrelated to enfacement susceptibility. Synchronous visuo-motor stimulation reduced head, body, and muscularity dissatisfaction across the sample, while asynchronous stimulation produced inconsistent effects on body image. BDD and MD symptom levels did not moderate most body image changes. These findings suggest that BDD may reflect abnormalities in the visual and multisensory integration processes underlying self-face representation, contributing to weakened self–other boundaries. These insights may advance understanding of bodily identity and social-cognitive difficulties in BDD. While enfacement-based interventions show modest therapeutic potential, future refinements are needed.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48312,"journal":{"name":"Body Image","volume":"56 ","pages":"Article 102002"},"PeriodicalIF":5.4,"publicationDate":"2025-11-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145617176","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"心理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-11-26DOI: 10.1016/j.bodyim.2025.102004
Jun Lin, Jade Portingale, Isabel Krug
Mukbangs (i.e., ‘eating broadcast’) is a food-related social media trend often featuring a host consuming large amounts of food. This pilot study used the first pre-post experimental design to examine the immediate effects of watching a mukbang video on eating intentions, body image, affect, and anxiety, while exploring behavioural impulsivity as a potential moderator. Participants recruited from an Australian university (N = 327; M age = 19.5 years, SD = 2.8; 59.6 % female) completed a baseline survey assessing demographic information and current mukbang engagement (e.g., frequency, duration). Participants then completed a computerised paradigm (Go/No-Go Task) as a measurement of behavioural impulsivity. Following the task, participants’ state-level urges to engage in disordered eating (DE), body dissatisfaction (BD), affect, and anxiety were measured prior and post-exposure to a 10-minute mukbang video (featuring a gender-matched mukbang host). Results showed significant reductions in DE urges and positive affect following exposure. Specifically, females showed a decrease in dietary restraint, and males in urge to overeat and exercise for weight control. No significant changes were observed for BD, negative affect, or anxiety, and no moderating effects emerged for behavioural impulsivity. These findings suggest that the effects of mukbang exposure may vary across specific DE urges and differ by gender, as examined in separate analyses. The absence of impulsivity effects further implies that trait impulsivity may have a limited influence in brief, low-stakes media contexts. Future research should explore potential moderators such as social comparison and habituation and employ longitudinal designs to evaluate the cumulative impact of mukbang viewing.
{"title":"Virtual feasts and their impact: A pilot study on the influence of mukbang videos on eating behaviours, body image, and emotional wellbeing","authors":"Jun Lin, Jade Portingale, Isabel Krug","doi":"10.1016/j.bodyim.2025.102004","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.bodyim.2025.102004","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>Mukbangs</em> (i.e., ‘eating broadcast’) is a food-related social media trend often featuring a host consuming large amounts of food. This pilot study used the first pre-post experimental design to examine the immediate effects of watching a mukbang video on eating intentions, body image, affect, and anxiety, while exploring behavioural impulsivity as a potential moderator. Participants recruited from an Australian university (<em>N</em> = 327; <em>M</em> age = 19.5 years, <em>SD</em> = 2.8; 59.6 % female) completed a baseline survey assessing demographic information and current mukbang engagement (e.g., frequency, duration). Participants then completed a computerised paradigm (Go/No-Go Task) as a measurement of behavioural impulsivity. Following the task, participants’ state-level urges to engage in disordered eating (DE), body dissatisfaction (BD), affect, and anxiety were measured prior and post-exposure to a 10-minute mukbang video (featuring a gender-matched mukbang host). Results showed significant reductions in DE urges and positive affect following exposure. Specifically, females showed a decrease in dietary restraint, and males in urge to overeat and exercise for weight control. No significant changes were observed for BD, negative affect, or anxiety, and no moderating effects emerged for behavioural impulsivity. These findings suggest that the effects of mukbang exposure may vary across specific DE urges and differ by gender, as examined in separate analyses. The absence of impulsivity effects further implies that trait impulsivity may have a limited influence in brief, low-stakes media contexts. Future research should explore potential moderators such as social comparison and habituation and employ longitudinal designs to evaluate the cumulative impact of mukbang viewing.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48312,"journal":{"name":"Body Image","volume":"56 ","pages":"Article 102004"},"PeriodicalIF":5.4,"publicationDate":"2025-11-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145600361","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"心理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-11-21DOI: 10.1016/j.bodyim.2025.102003
Haoqian Li , Jingjing Wang , Dong Yang
Early adolescents’ body image disturbances are closely linked to eating disorder risk, with body talk being a key social correlate of body image. This study addressed two gaps: (1) validating the Body Talk Scale (BTS) in Chinese early adolescents, and (2) clarifying the dynamic directionality between body talk and body appreciation (BA). Study 1 enrolled 553 early adolescents (Mage = 12.85, SD = 0.45, 38.70 % females). Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses, reliability test, convergent validity test and measurement invariance test all supported the BTS’s three-factor structure (negative fat talk [NFT], negative muscle talk [NMT], positive body talk [PBT]) with good reliability and validity. Study 2 conducted a 4-wave diary study on 265 adolescents (Mage = 12.91, SD = 0.47, 42.64 % females). Dynamic structural equation modeling revealed a bidirectional positive cycle between PBT and BA, unidirectional and negative prediction of NFT by BA, and no directional association between NMT and BA. Males had higher NMT baselines than females. Our work addresses the identified gaps by validating the BTS in Chinese early adolescents and revealing dimension-specific body talk-body appreciation interactions. The PBT-BA virtuous cycle and BA→NFT unidirectional link further offer practical implications for body image interventions.
{"title":"Validating the body talk scale among Chinese early adolescents and exploring its longitudinal relationship with body appreciation","authors":"Haoqian Li , Jingjing Wang , Dong Yang","doi":"10.1016/j.bodyim.2025.102003","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.bodyim.2025.102003","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Early adolescents’ body image disturbances are closely linked to eating disorder risk, with body talk being a key social correlate of body image. This study addressed two gaps: (1) validating the Body Talk Scale (BTS) in Chinese early adolescents, and (2) clarifying the dynamic directionality between body talk and body appreciation (BA). Study 1 enrolled 553 early adolescents (<em>M</em><sub><em>age</em></sub> = 12.85, <em>SD</em> = 0.45, 38.70 % females). Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses, reliability test, convergent validity test and measurement invariance test all supported the BTS’s three-factor structure (negative fat talk [NFT], negative muscle talk [NMT], positive body talk [PBT]) with good reliability and validity. Study 2 conducted a 4-wave diary study on 265 adolescents (<em>M</em><sub><em>age</em></sub> = 12.91, <em>SD</em> = 0.47, 42.64 % females). Dynamic structural equation modeling revealed a bidirectional positive cycle between PBT and BA, unidirectional and negative prediction of NFT by BA, and no directional association between NMT and BA. Males had higher NMT baselines than females. Our work addresses the identified gaps by validating the BTS in Chinese early adolescents and revealing dimension-specific body talk-body appreciation interactions. The PBT-BA virtuous cycle and BA→NFT unidirectional link further offer practical implications for body image interventions.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48312,"journal":{"name":"Body Image","volume":"55 ","pages":"Article 102003"},"PeriodicalIF":5.4,"publicationDate":"2025-11-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145568221","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"心理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-11-20DOI: 10.1016/j.bodyim.2025.101999
Avantika Kapadia , Savannah C. Hooper , Emma K. Crumby , Yara Mekawi , Cheri A. Levinson
Eating disorders (EDs) are complex mental health conditions that are impacted by inequity and oppression, underscoring an urgency to examine EDs through a social-justice oriented framework. A primary component across ED diagnoses is body dissatisfaction. This study explored the prevalence of oppression-related variables (ORVs), including systems of oppression (e.g., cissexism, heterosexism, racism, classism, food insecurity, ableism) and biases (e.g., anti-fat bias, weight stigma), in EDs through cross sectional self-report questionnaires and longitudinal ecological momentary assessment (EMA) data collected over a two week period. Participants with ED symptoms completed self-report questionnaires (N = 63; 76.2 % White, 85.7 % female; 58.7 % heterosexual) assessing experiences of oppression. They also completed EMA surveys (N = 51) delivered five times per day for 15 days that captured the frequency of and stress arising from daily experiences of ORVs, including both directly experienced and witnessed instances of oppression. An EMA item assessing body dissatisfaction was included in these surveys. Cross-sectional findings showed that participants reported moderate and low-to-moderate levels of ORVs. Longitudinal EMA data revealed that anti-fat discrimination was the most frequently endorsed ORV and caused the greatest distress, followed closely by weight stigma. Repeated measures correlations indicated significant positive associations between body dissatisfaction and both ableism and weight stigma. ORVs may provide valuable insights into ED development and maintenance. Initial findings highlight the significance of discriminatory experiences, particularly weight-based discrimination, to EDs and the core ED symptom of body dissatisfaction. More inclusive research and interventions that address systemic oppression in the context of EDs is needed.
{"title":"The integration of oppression related variables into eating disorder research","authors":"Avantika Kapadia , Savannah C. Hooper , Emma K. Crumby , Yara Mekawi , Cheri A. Levinson","doi":"10.1016/j.bodyim.2025.101999","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.bodyim.2025.101999","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Eating disorders (EDs) are complex mental health conditions that are impacted by inequity and oppression, underscoring an urgency to examine EDs through a social-justice oriented framework. A primary component across ED diagnoses is body dissatisfaction. This study explored the prevalence of oppression-related variables (ORVs), including systems of oppression (e.g., cissexism, heterosexism, racism, classism, food insecurity, ableism) and biases (e.g., anti-fat bias, weight stigma), in EDs through cross sectional self-report questionnaires and longitudinal ecological momentary assessment (EMA) data collected over a two week period. Participants with ED symptoms completed self-report questionnaires (<em>N</em> = 63; 76.2 % White, 85.7 % female; 58.7 % heterosexual) assessing experiences of oppression. They also completed EMA surveys (<em>N</em> = 51) delivered five times per day for 15 days that captured the frequency of and stress arising from daily experiences of ORVs, including both directly experienced and witnessed instances of oppression. An EMA item assessing body dissatisfaction was included in these surveys. Cross-sectional findings showed that participants reported moderate and low-to-moderate levels of ORVs. Longitudinal EMA data revealed that anti-fat discrimination was the most frequently endorsed ORV and caused the greatest distress, followed closely by weight stigma. Repeated measures correlations indicated significant positive associations between body dissatisfaction and both ableism and weight stigma. ORVs may provide valuable insights into ED development and maintenance. Initial findings highlight the significance of discriminatory experiences, particularly weight-based discrimination, to EDs and the core ED symptom of body dissatisfaction. More inclusive research and interventions that address systemic oppression in the context of EDs is needed.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48312,"journal":{"name":"Body Image","volume":"55 ","pages":"Article 101999"},"PeriodicalIF":5.4,"publicationDate":"2025-11-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145568220","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"心理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-11-20DOI: 10.1016/j.bodyim.2025.102001
Camilla Matera , Elena Fornaini , Chiara Rollero , Anna Rosa Donizzetti , Daniela Caso , Caterina Grano , Anna Enrica Tosti , Amanda Nerini
This study examined the effects of a brief compassion training to promote body appreciation and reduce interest in cosmetic surgery among young adults. Reflecting the relational nature of compassion, the intervention targeted its three flows, namely the three directions in which compassion can be expressed: from self to others (compassion for others), from others to self (compassion from others), and towards the self (self-compassion). Participants joined a 7-day online study and were randomly assigned to one of three compassion-based writing tasks (self-compassion, compassion from others, compassion for others) or a control condition. Pre- and post-tests measured compassion abilities, body appreciation, and interest in cosmetic surgery. A total of 436 participants completed all tasks and the post-test. After evaluating task-adherence, the final sample included 153 men (M age = 21.29) and 188 women (M age = 20.45). Participants in the three compassion conditions showed increased body appreciation from pre-test to post-test compared to those in the control group. Compassion for others was effective in reducing the desire for cosmetic procedures, especially for women; it also decreased interest in cosmetic surgery for social reasons across genders. In contrast, men in the compassion from others condition showed a slight increase in consideration of cosmetic surgery after completing the writing tasks. This is the first study investigating the impact of a brief compassion training targeting the three flows of compassion, highlighting their relevance for positive body image and the potential of compassion to others in reducing interest in cosmetic surgery.
{"title":"The 7-day compassion diary: Evaluating a brief compassion flows training on body appreciation and cosmetic surgery interest","authors":"Camilla Matera , Elena Fornaini , Chiara Rollero , Anna Rosa Donizzetti , Daniela Caso , Caterina Grano , Anna Enrica Tosti , Amanda Nerini","doi":"10.1016/j.bodyim.2025.102001","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.bodyim.2025.102001","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study examined the effects of a brief compassion training to promote body appreciation and reduce interest in cosmetic surgery among young adults. Reflecting the relational nature of compassion, the intervention targeted its three flows, namely the three directions in which compassion can be expressed: from self to others (compassion for others), from others to self (compassion from others), and towards the self (self-compassion). Participants joined a 7-day online study and were randomly assigned to one of three compassion-based writing tasks (self-compassion, compassion from others, compassion for others) or a control condition. Pre- and post-tests measured compassion abilities, body appreciation, and interest in cosmetic surgery. A total of 436 participants completed all tasks and the post-test. After evaluating task-adherence, the final sample included 153 men (M age = 21.29) and 188 women (M age = 20.45). Participants in the three compassion conditions showed increased body appreciation from pre-test to post-test compared to those in the control group. Compassion for others was effective in reducing the desire for cosmetic procedures, especially for women; it also decreased interest in cosmetic surgery for social reasons across genders. In contrast, men in the compassion from others condition showed a slight increase in consideration of cosmetic surgery after completing the writing tasks. This is the first study investigating the impact of a brief compassion training targeting the three flows of compassion, highlighting their relevance for positive body image and the potential of compassion to others in reducing interest in cosmetic surgery.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48312,"journal":{"name":"Body Image","volume":"55 ","pages":"Article 102001"},"PeriodicalIF":5.4,"publicationDate":"2025-11-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145568219","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"心理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
A significant amount of appearance-based content is available for consumption on social media sites such as Instagram, TikTok and YouTube. Imagery that depicts idealized appearances is pervasive on these sites and has been shown to have detrimental consequences for body image and related outcomes. Whilst efforts have been made to challenge beauty ideals via online body positive movements, social media ‘influencers’, also known as ‘content creators,’ continue to disseminate content that reflects beauty ideals and is commercially endorsed to their large following. This paper aims to consolidate what is known about beauty, fashion, and lifestyle influencers, including ‘body positive’ influencers, and the effects of their content on followers. It also endeavors to identify gaps in the literature, proposing important considerations for future research including the potential impact of various influencer, follower, and platform-based factors on body image. Understanding influencers’ social media experiences and their attitudes towards different appearance-based content can inform future body image protection strategies made by social media platforms, agencies, brands, policymakers, influencers and their followers.
{"title":"The influencer effect: Current findings and future directions for research on social media influencers and body image","authors":"Talia Levin , Marika Tiggemann , Jennifer Harriger , Jasmine Fardouly","doi":"10.1016/j.bodyim.2025.102000","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.bodyim.2025.102000","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>A significant amount of appearance-based content is available for consumption on social media sites such as Instagram, TikTok and YouTube. Imagery that depicts idealized appearances is pervasive on these sites and has been shown to have detrimental consequences for body image and related outcomes. Whilst efforts have been made to challenge beauty ideals via online body positive movements, social media ‘influencers’, also known as ‘content creators,’ continue to disseminate content that reflects beauty ideals and is commercially endorsed to their large following. This paper aims to consolidate what is known about beauty, fashion, and lifestyle influencers, including ‘body positive’ influencers, and the effects of their content on followers. It also endeavors to identify gaps in the literature, proposing important considerations for future research including the potential impact of various influencer, follower, and platform-based factors on body image. Understanding influencers’ social media experiences and their attitudes towards different appearance-based content can inform future body image protection strategies made by social media platforms, agencies, brands, policymakers, influencers and their followers.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48312,"journal":{"name":"Body Image","volume":"55 ","pages":"Article 102000"},"PeriodicalIF":5.4,"publicationDate":"2025-11-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145551627","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"心理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-11-14DOI: 10.1016/j.bodyim.2025.101997
Renae Brown , Pia Cole , Sarah-Jane Leander , Rachel F. Rodgers , Jo R. Doley
Research focusing on body image in trans and gender diverse (TGD) people tends to focus on body dissatisfaction, with positive body image less recognised in academic literature. In response, the current research sought to take a strengths-based approach by examining experiences of positive body image in TGD people. The qualitative study utilised semi-structured interviews with n = 3 trans women/transfeminine people, n = 7 trans men/transmasculine people, and n = 4 non-binary/gender diverse people aged 18 and above about their experiences of positive body image. The data were analysed using Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) to develop nuanced understandings of positive body image that were grounded in participant experience. Findings illustrated some similarities across all gender groups, characterising positive body image in terms of positive state experiences including a sense of ownership, embodied connection and comfort with the body, giving rise to the metaphor of the body as home. Additionally, factors that promote and maintain positive body image for trans and gender diverse people involved a complex interplay of experiences such as gender-congruent appearances, positive distinctiveness, rejection of normative body expectations and psychosocial factors such as supportive communities, positive peer coping and agency. Such factors were understood in the context of gender and emphasise the importance of appreciating group contexts alongside individual experiences. Barriers to positive body image were also addressed. Notably, the current study was an opportunity for TGD adults to share their experiences of positive body image. Findings may also contribute to the advancement of body image interventions for TGD people with encouragement to step away from deficit-based approaches and harness their unique strengths.
{"title":"“Feels Like Home”: An interpretative phenomenological analysis of positive body image among transgender and gender diverse people","authors":"Renae Brown , Pia Cole , Sarah-Jane Leander , Rachel F. Rodgers , Jo R. Doley","doi":"10.1016/j.bodyim.2025.101997","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.bodyim.2025.101997","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Research focusing on body image in trans and gender diverse (TGD) people tends to focus on body dissatisfaction, with positive body image less recognised in academic literature. In response, the current research sought to take a strengths-based approach by examining experiences of positive body image in TGD people. The qualitative study utilised semi-structured interviews with <em>n</em> = 3 trans women/transfeminine people, <em>n</em> = 7 trans men/transmasculine people, and <em>n</em> = 4 non-binary/gender diverse people aged 18 and above about their experiences of positive body image. The data were analysed using Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) to develop nuanced understandings of positive body image that were grounded in participant experience. Findings illustrated some similarities across all gender groups, characterising positive body image in terms of positive state experiences including a sense of ownership, embodied connection and comfort with the body, giving rise to the metaphor of the body as home. Additionally, factors that promote and maintain positive body image for trans and gender diverse people involved a complex interplay of experiences such as gender-congruent appearances, positive distinctiveness, rejection of normative body expectations and psychosocial factors such as supportive communities, positive peer coping and agency. Such factors were understood in the context of gender and emphasise the importance of appreciating group contexts alongside individual experiences. Barriers to positive body image were also addressed. Notably, the current study was an opportunity for TGD adults to share their experiences of positive body image. Findings may also contribute to the advancement of body image interventions for TGD people with encouragement to step away from deficit-based approaches and harness their unique strengths.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48312,"journal":{"name":"Body Image","volume":"55 ","pages":"Article 101997"},"PeriodicalIF":5.4,"publicationDate":"2025-11-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145520131","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"心理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-11-13DOI: 10.1016/j.bodyim.2025.101998
Madeleine Rhodes , Caitlin Milne , Mia L. Pellizzer , Ivanka Prichard
Disordered eating behaviours and cognitions among pregnant and postpartum women are prevalent public health concerns which can adversely impact mothers, infants and families. While such issues are often linked with the sociocultural environment and interpersonal relationships, these factors are under-researched. The aim of this mixed-methods review was to identify social and interpersonal factors that may protect against or increase the risk of perinatal disordered eating and body image concerns. Following PRISMA reporting guidelines, a systematic search was conducted across MEDLINE, PsycINFO, ProQuest, Scopus, and CINAHL. Two independent reviewers screened articles and extracted data. Results were narratively synthesised. Thirty-six qualitative and quantitative studies were identified. Different sources (partners, friends, healthcare professionals) and dimensions (instrumental, informational, emotional) of social support were protective against symptoms. However, nuances emerged for women with an eating disorder history. Interpersonal abuse, appearance-related commentary and sociocultural pressure were factors associated with increased risk of symptoms. The findings highlight social and interpersonal factors which may perpetuate or mitigate perinatal eating and body image concerns in direct and indirect ways, thus providing insights for clinicians and families. In this way, the onus is shifted away from women, who are already tasked with adapting to the radical changes of entering motherhood, to partners and important others within their sociocultural environment who are well-placed to provide support.
{"title":"A systematic review of social and interpersonal factors associated with perinatal body image and eating concerns","authors":"Madeleine Rhodes , Caitlin Milne , Mia L. Pellizzer , Ivanka Prichard","doi":"10.1016/j.bodyim.2025.101998","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.bodyim.2025.101998","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Disordered eating behaviours and cognitions among pregnant and postpartum women are prevalent public health concerns which can adversely impact mothers, infants and families. While such issues are often linked with the sociocultural environment and interpersonal relationships, these factors are under-researched. The aim of this mixed-methods review was to identify social and interpersonal factors that may protect against or increase the risk of perinatal disordered eating and body image concerns. Following PRISMA reporting guidelines, a systematic search was conducted across MEDLINE, PsycINFO, ProQuest, Scopus, and CINAHL. Two independent reviewers screened articles and extracted data. Results were narratively synthesised. Thirty-six qualitative and quantitative studies were identified. Different sources (partners, friends, healthcare professionals) and dimensions (instrumental, informational, emotional) of social support were protective against symptoms. However, nuances emerged for women with an eating disorder history. Interpersonal abuse, appearance-related commentary and sociocultural pressure were factors associated with increased risk of symptoms. The findings highlight social and interpersonal factors which may perpetuate or mitigate perinatal eating and body image concerns in direct and indirect ways, thus providing insights for clinicians and families. In this way, the onus is shifted away from women, who are already tasked with adapting to the radical changes of entering motherhood, to partners and important others within their sociocultural environment who are well-placed to provide support.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48312,"journal":{"name":"Body Image","volume":"55 ","pages":"Article 101998"},"PeriodicalIF":5.4,"publicationDate":"2025-11-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145520130","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"心理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-11-10DOI: 10.1016/j.bodyim.2025.101995
Jazz Jabbar , Elaine Ori , Kim Gammage , Matthieu Dagenais , Sean Locke
Internalized weight bias occurs when negative perceptions about people in larger bodies are attributed to the self. Women in larger bodies frequently experience and internalize weight bias, which can negatively impact physical activity outcomes. Dual process models suggest that information, like experiences of weight stigma, are processed at two levels: associative and propositional. The purpose of this study was to examine whether internalized weight bias measured at the associative and propositional levels was significantly associated with the tendency to avoid physical activity, the expectation of experiencing weight stigma, and self-regulatory efficacy. Participants (n = 154) were over 18, had a BMI over 25, and self-identified as a woman living in a larger body. Implicit weight bias was measured using a single-category implicit association task, while other variables were measured using validated survey measures. Hierarchical multiple regressions were conducted (step 1: covariates; step 2: implicit weight bias [associative]; step 3: internalized weight bias [propositional]). Both implicit (b = -.285, CI: .13,.44) and internalized weight bias (b = -.205, CI: -.37,-.05) were negatively associated with self-regulatory efficacy in step 3. Contrarily, implicit weight bias was significantly associated with the expectation of experiencing weight stigma (b = .203, CI: -.17,.05) and the tendency to avoid physical activity (b = .148, CI: -.18, 07) in step 2, but became non-significant when internalized weight bias was added in step 3 (b = .737, CI: .62,.85; b = .453, CI: .33,.58). Implicit and internalized weight bias were both associated with physical activity related cognitions. Findings provide insight into factors at the associative and propositional level that may dissuade physical activity participation for women in larger bodies.
{"title":"Examining the effects of implicit and internalized weight bias on physical activity cognitions for women in larger bodies","authors":"Jazz Jabbar , Elaine Ori , Kim Gammage , Matthieu Dagenais , Sean Locke","doi":"10.1016/j.bodyim.2025.101995","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.bodyim.2025.101995","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Internalized weight bias occurs when negative perceptions about people in larger bodies are attributed to the self. Women in larger bodies frequently experience and internalize weight bias, which can negatively impact physical activity outcomes. Dual process models suggest that information, like experiences of weight stigma, are processed at two levels: associative and propositional. The purpose of this study was to examine whether internalized weight bias measured at the associative and propositional levels was significantly associated with the tendency to avoid physical activity, the expectation of experiencing weight stigma, and self-regulatory efficacy. Participants (n = 154) were over 18, had a BMI over 25, and self-identified as a woman living in a larger body. Implicit weight bias was measured using a single-category implicit association task, while other variables were measured using validated survey measures. Hierarchical multiple regressions were conducted (step 1: covariates; step 2: implicit weight bias [associative]; step 3: internalized weight bias [propositional]). Both implicit (<em>b</em> = -.285, CI: .13,.44) and internalized weight bias (<em>b</em> = -.205, CI: -.37,-.05) were negatively associated with self-regulatory efficacy in step 3. Contrarily, implicit weight bias was significantly associated with the expectation of experiencing weight stigma (<em>b</em> = .203, CI: -.17,.05) and the tendency to avoid physical activity (<em>b</em> = .148, CI: -.18, 07) in step 2, but became non-significant when internalized weight bias was added in step 3 (<em>b</em> = .737, CI: .62,.85; <em>b</em> = .453, CI: .33,.58). Implicit and internalized weight bias were both associated with physical activity related cognitions. Findings provide insight into factors at the associative and propositional level that may dissuade physical activity participation for women in larger bodies.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48312,"journal":{"name":"Body Image","volume":"55 ","pages":"Article 101995"},"PeriodicalIF":5.4,"publicationDate":"2025-11-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145497251","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"心理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}