Social and Psychological Aspects

Obstacles to Forming A Positive Body Image and Strategies for Overcoming those Obstacles: A Qualitative Study of Nonbinary Individuals' Experiences

---

Abstract

This study explores the body image trajectories of nonbinary individuals, emphasizing obstacles to achieving positive body image and coping strategies for overcoming those obstacles. Guided by the minority stress framework, we analyzed interviews with 15 nonbinary participants who demonstrated positive body image, identifying eight key obstacles: anti-LGBTQ+ narratives, lack of representation and community, gender dysphoria, familial and religious pressures, destructive societal attitudes on body size, social comparisons, health conditions/disabilities, and financial constraints. Participants used six coping strategies: seeking therapy, recognizing unique journeys, practicing selective attention and discernment, disengaging from comparisons, practicing self-compassion, and seeking community. Findings highlight how external stressors, such as cultural discourses and underrepresentation, exacerbate internal stressors like body shame and identity confusion, hindering body image development. Coping strategies alleviated these stressors, showcasing resilience. The study underscores the complexity of nonbinary body image trajectories and calls for future research with more racially diverse samples to explore intersectional influences.

Keywords: positive body image, nonbinary, minority stress framework, obstacles, coping

How to Cite:

Paff, J. L., Johnson, A., Morris, K. D., Harmon, J. & Reddy Best, K. L., (2025) “Obstacles to Forming A Positive Body Image and Strategies for Overcoming those Obstacles: A Qualitative Study of Nonbinary Individuals' Experiences”, International Textile and Apparel Association Annual Conference Proceedings 81(1). doi: https://doi.org/10.31274/itaa.18489