Shaping up and fitting in : a grounded theory of women's body image : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts in Psychology at Massey University
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Date
1995
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Massey University
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Abstract
The present study employed a qualitative approach informed by a
feminist perspective, specifically the generative, inductive methods of
grounded theory to explore women's experiences regarding their body
image. Reports of 11 women's experiences were obtained using a
semi-structured interview framework. This study aimed to explore the
cognitive, behavioural and psychological dimensions of women's body
concerns, focusing on weight, shape, size and appearance; how these
concerns affect the women; and what the women perceive as having
contributed to their concerns. The preliminary grounded theory
developed suggests that each of the women, to various degrees,
monitor, evaluate, regulate and/or alter their bodies in specific ways,
in order to maximise positive feelings about themselves, and minimise
negative ones. The model developed in this study is process oriented
and suggests that for most of the women, being happy with their
bodies, or not feeling unhappy with them, is only a transitory part of
an ongoing cyclical process of monitoring and regulating. These
findings have important implications for education and prevention, and
for 'treatment'. They also suggest many worthwhile avenues for future
research.
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Keywords
Body image, Psychological aspects, Women, Psychology