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Thesis (M.A. (Clinical Psychology)) -- University of Limpopo, 2021 / The physical changes that a woman undergoes during pregnancy may affect her body image and consequently, her emotional and psychological well-being. The purpose of this study was to develop a comprehensive understanding of the lived experiences of pregnant women and the effect of pregnancy on their self-image and subsequent emotional and psychological experiences. Eight women who had previously given birth or were pregnant were recruited as participants by employing snowball sampling. Semi-structured interviews were conducted to collect data. Interpretive phenomenological analysis was employed to analyse the data. The findings revealed that the majority of the participants generally experienced overall body satisfaction. However, their experience was largely influenced by the phase of pregnancy and relevant physical changes associated with the particular phase. Furthermore, the social comments they received had an influence on their experiences. The findings were also related to the social comparisons in which the participants tended to engage. Finally, it is recommended that future research be conducted on the experience of body image of pregnant women within the context of their culture, ethnicity and unique demographics given that culture influences ideas about ideal body shape and size. Future studies should include a more diverse sample. Keywords: Body image, objectification, self-objectification, social comparison

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Thesis (Ph. D.)--St. Mary's University, San Antonio, Texas, 2007. / "December 2007." Includes bibliographical references (leaves 281-301) and appendices.

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published_or_final_version / English / Master / Master of Philosophy

The Asian American population has increased almost ten percent in the past decade, marking the second highest growth rate of any racial group in the United States. Because of this increase, researchers need to be more informed about current issues that exist among this population, specifically within Asian American women and body satisfaction. This review seeks to explore the current research that exists on Asian American women and body satisfaction. Potential causes and explanations for why this population may deal with body satisfaction are then explored. These include historical causes, peer pressure, familial pressure, and media influence. The review then looks at methods counselors can use to effectively work with the Asian American women population. Finally, some recommendations for future studies are offered. Through this review, researchers and counselors can be better informed to work with the Asian American population. / text

The purpose of this study was to examine how body image, Body Mass Index (BMI), self-esteem and eating attitudes were related in a non-clinical sample of New Zealand women. The sample consisted of 36 women ranging in age from 17 to 55 years of age. Body image was assessed using the Body Shape Questionnaire, BMI was calculated based on measures of height and weight; eating attitudes was assessed with the Eating Concern subscale of the Eating Disorders Examination and self-esteem was assessed using the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale. The results of this study conclude that elevated BMI is associated with higher dissatisfaction with body image, and there is a positive correlation between body image and eating attitudes. Self-esteem and eating attitudes were significantly correlated with lower self-esteem being associated with increased disturbance in eating attitudes. Self-esteem and BMI were found to significantly contribute to eating attitudes on their own as well as together. Body image on its own also made a significant contribution to eating attitudes. Previous research informs us of the negative implications of dissatisfaction with body image, elevated BMI, disturbed eating attitudes and low-self-esteem and this study examines the links between these variables in order to add further information to what contributes to each of the variables. These findings were discussed in light of sociocultural theories of eating disorders and their implications to women from nonclinical populations.

It is estimated that more than 218,000 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in the year 2007. With a mean age at diagnosis of 72, and extended long-term survival, prostate cancer represents a significant health problem among older men. Despite the fact that the treatment for prostate cancer has significant effects upon one's physical appearance and functional ability, there exists a gap in the literature regarding body image in men with prostate cancer. Additionally, there is a large gap in our knowledge of the relationship of body image and QOL in men with prostate cancer.The purpose of this study was to describe changes in body image and quality of life among men with prostate cancer, to describe the relationship between the two, and to explore the differences in body image and quality of life related to treatment, age, duration of therapy and body mass index.The sample consisted of one hundred and thirty-two older men (> age 60) with prostate cancer, recruited from the oncology and urology out-patient departments at an urban Veterans Affairs Medical Center. The participants completed 2 established questionnaires, the Body Image Scale and the Quality of Life Index Cancer Version. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used in the analysis.For purposes of analysis, the sample was grouped according to treatment with ADT as part of therapy for prostate cancer. The ADT-naive group composed 34.1% of the sample (n = 45); the ADT group composed 65.9% of the sample (n = 87). Whether or not one received ADT was correlated with body image change: those men who received ADT had a greater perception of negative change. There was, however, no difference in quality of life between men who received ADT and men who did not. Neither age nor duration of therapy had any relationship with the perceptions of change in body image or quality of life. A significant negative correlation was demonstrated between body image change and quality of life overall, and with each of the domains.

Postural set and body image are described as two interactive components of a dancer's expressive skills as a performing artist. The ways in which these components interact are influenced by numerous factors, including the dancer's physique, the environment in which movement is learned and practiced, the aesthetic requirements of particular dance techniques, and the kinds of body images the dancer has created or is in the process of creating. Postural set refers to a habitual, bipedal position of the body that is recognized by the central nervous system as an established motor response. Body image is defined as the summary notion, at any given moment, of one's body proportions and properties. Postural set and body image are functionally interrelated on psychological and physical levels, and both contribute to the experience of the body as a sensing, moving, and emotional entity.