The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological inquiry was to explore college-aged women's experiences of body positivity and self-acceptance. I applied a conceptual framework that blended feminist identity development model (FIDM) and relational cultural theory (RCT) to answer the following questions: (a) what are the lived experiences of college-aged women who identify as having a positive and accepting body image? and (b) how do college-aged women's intersecting identities contribute to the development of positive and accepting body image? Ten college-age women participated in the current study. The participants provided detailed accounts of their experiences of body image throughout their life. Five overarching themes were identified through data analysis of the interview transcripts: (a) advocating for self and others, (b) beauty expectations and societal definitions, (c) intersecting identities, (d) journey of acceptance, and (e) relationships and community. Participants offered insight into the development of their current position of body positivity and self-acceptance that serve as implications for other relevant contexts. Implications and recommendations drawn from the participants' experiences can inform preventative and treatment care in educational settings, family environments, clinical practice, and integrated care.
Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:unt.edu/info:ark/67531/metadc1703325 |
Date | 05 1900 |
Creators | Rogers, Jordan N. |
Contributors | Cartwright, Angie D, Jones, Leslie De, Bennett, Caitlyn M, Prosek, Elizabeth A |
Publisher | University of North Texas |
Source Sets | University of North Texas |
Language | English |
Detected Language | English |
Type | Thesis or Dissertation |
Format | v, 206 pages, Text |
Rights | Public, Rogers, Jordan N., Copyright, Copyright is held by the author, unless otherwise noted. All rights Reserved. |
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