| dc.description.abstract | The purpose of this study was to explore women’s perceptions of the sources of information that led to the development of their body image. The problem this study addressed was women receive messages that contribute to negative body image throughout their lifetimes. When these messages are processed passively, especially when cultivated over time, serious disorders and the transmission of unhealthy behaviors to children and peers can result. Different age groups provided insight into events that occur in the decades of their lives, and how influences are perceived differently at different ages. This study used Q methodology to analyze the subjective, qualitative perspectives of women concerning influences on the development of their body image. Forty-five women sorted a list of 45 potential influences under two conditions of instruction (one pertaining to adolescence and the other pertaining to adulthood). The data were collected and analyzed, resulting in the identification and description of three archetypes: the Resilient (influenced by positive factors), the Transitional (influenced by a combination of factors), and the Impressionable (influenced by negative factors). The most commonly reported influences were significant others, siblings, mothers, self-talk, and close friend peers. The majority of women reported becoming more resilient to negative influences with age. Practitioners must not only treat the outcome of body image dissatisfaction, but also teach resilience and an internal locus of control to help prevent body image issues. The earlier in life this type of education is received, the more likely body image dissatisfaction will be minimized. | en_US |
