Social and Psychological Aspects

Building Positive Body Image through an Interactive Body Positivity Program: A Positive Psychology Perspective

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Abstract

We evaluated the outcomes of an interactive body positivity program designed to mitigate symptoms of negative body image and to support the development of positive body image among college women experiencing body dissatisfaction. To develop our program, we adopted a positive psychology approach and related research exploring positive body image. We piloted our program with nine college women who self-identified as experiencing body image struggles. The purpose of this study was to explore women's perceptions about how participation in our program supported (or did not support) changes in their body image and their sense of self. In-depth interviews were conducted before and after their participation in the program. Although most participants acknowledged that engagement in our program did not wholly mend their body image concerns, all participants perceived that, through their involvement in our program, they had come to embrace a more positive body image.

Keywords: body positivity, positive psychology

How to Cite:

Ogle, J. P., Park, J. & Monhait, N., (2019) “Building Positive Body Image through an Interactive Body Positivity Program: A Positive Psychology Perspective”, International Textile and Apparel Association Annual Conference Proceedings 76(1). doi: https://doi.org/10.31274/itaa.8271