The conceptualization of body image: a qualitative exploration in overweight adolescents
Overweight adolescents appear to be at particular risk of developing body dissatisfaction because their body image and shape deviate further from the cultural standard of body ideal. Previous studies suggested that body image can be studied in four different domains that include perceptua l, cogni...
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| Format: | Book |
| Language: | English |
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IIUM Press, International Islamic University Malaysia
2017
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| Online Access: | http://irep.iium.edu.my/65976/ http://irep.iium.edu.my/65976/ http://irep.iium.edu.my/65976/1/65976_The%20conceptualization%20of%20body%20image.pdf |
| Summary: | Overweight adolescents appear to be at particular risk of developing body dissatisfaction because their
body image and shape deviate further from the cultural standard of body ideal. Previous studies
suggested that body image can be studied in four different domains that include perceptua l, cognitive,
affective and behavioral. Therefore, this phenomenological study aims to explore the conceptualization
of body image from the perspective of overweight adolescents. Thirty-three overweight adolescents aged
13 to 17 from an urban setting in Selangor were interviewed. The thematic analysis identified that body
image is conceptualised through perceptual, affective, cognitive and behavioral domains. Overweight
adolescents perceived body attributes as more important than other physical characteristics. They
described their body image as it is based on the appearance comments and criticism that they received
from social interactions with peers and parents. Most of them wanted to be thin for social acceptance.
They believed that they may have difficulties in looking for a partner and susceptible to diseases based
on their observation of other people and through available information from significant others and the
media. They experienced weight-related teasing, peer rejection and negative stereotyping in daily
encounters. These perceptions, beliefs, and personal experiences and observation may lead to body
dissatisfaction. Although most participants are dissatisfied with their current body image, few however
were having positive views of their bodies by highlighting the self-enhancement mechanisms. All
overweight adolescents interviewed in this study, including those with a positive view of their body
image wanted to reduce weight. This study has given a significant contribution to the current knowledge
with respect to the methodological approach and the conceptual framework of body image in the form
of a newly developed framework. The proposed framework may explain the conceptualization of body
image among overweight adolescents. |
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