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2 - Positive Body Image by Gender and Across the Lifespan

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  29 June 2018

By
Lina A. Ricciardelli ,
Marie L. Caltabiano  and
Laura D. D’Antuono
Edited by
Elizabeth A. Daniels ,
Meghan M. Gillen  and
Charlotte H. Markey
Elizabeth A. Daniels
Affiliation:
University of Colorado, Colorado Springs
Meghan M. Gillen
Affiliation:
Pennsylvania State University
Charlotte H. Markey
Affiliation:
Rutgers University, New Jersey
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Summary

This chapter provides a review of the research on positive body image and gender, with a focus on adults, children and adolescents. Much of this research with adult women has utilized the Body Appreciation Scale, which has highlighted appreciation and acceptance of the body, respect for the body, and protection of the body. In addition, qualitative studies have been conducted to more fully understand the nuances between positive and negative body image across the lifespan. Some of the studies have highlighted how both positive and negative body image co-exist in older women and the greater importance placed on the functional body for men. However, a comprehensive study of the dimensions of positive body image has yet to be conducted among men. Less research has focused specifically on positive body image among children and adolescents, but emerging findings are comparable to those found among adult women. More work is needed to develop and validate new instruments for assessing the different facets of positive body image such as body pride, body comfort, body connection and physical freedom.
Type
Chapter
Information
Body Positive
Understanding and Improving Body Image in Science and Practice
 , pp. 34 - 58
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2018

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