Analysis Of Body Image And Associated Feelings, Thoughts, Behaviors And Goals In Adults 18 - 55

“Be body positive” or “lose weight fast.” Should we love the skin we’re in or aim for an “athletic ideal” (Homan, 2010). The thin ideal is said to be pervasive and dangerous (Grabe et al., 2008; Levine & Smolak, 2016) and the athletic ideal can lead to compulsive exercise (Homan, 2010). PURPOSE: To assess the implications of body and beauty ideals on feelings, thoughts, behaviors, and associated goals. METHODS: University students, faculty, and staff voluntarily completed an online survey, containing two 7-point Likert-style questions, and seven open-ended questions addressing factors related to self-talk, judgment, and consequences of personal thoughts. Data were analyzed using frequencies and content analysis. Separately, qualitative questions were coded yielding several judgment-related sub-themes reported below. RESULTS: Regarding body appearance, 40% selecting “satisfied,” and 40% selecting “unsatisfied.” Results skewed higher toward satisfaction (66%) regarding body function. Qualitative responses were more negative and specific (i.e., large stomach, too thin, acne, hair), while positive comments communicated a more neutral tone (i.e., look good, proud of body). Negative judgments were connected to negative thoughts, feelings, moods, attitudes, behaviors, and interactions. Subcategories of thoughts and feelings included but were not limited to(a) negative self-talk, (b) self-consciousness, (c) fixation on insecurity, and (d) comparing to others. Negative resultant behaviors included excess exercise, not eating around others, or not going out. Fewer positive behaviors were noted. No obvious differences were evidenced based on gender, race, or age. CONCLUSION: Regardless of the exact culturally constructed ideal, a person’s sense of attractiveness is impactful (Hurd, 2000). Objectification theory (Frederickson & Roberts, 1997) explains this may happen because girls and women are socialized to internalize others’ perspectives; however, in the current study, the focus on body image is not limited to cis-gender women and is not only related to weight or body size. The current study found universally poor body image among students, faculty, and staff of varying age, gender identity, and ethnicity.