Master of Arts (M.A.), Xavier University, 2016, Psychology

The purpose of this research was to determine if participation in a workplace health promotion (WHP) program has any influence on employees' awareness of and satisfaction with their body image, and whether or not those levels of awareness and satisfaction differ between male and female employees. It was hypothesized that individuals who participate in a WHP program would report higher body surveillance and lower body shame than those who do not participate in such a program. Exploratory hypotheses also questioned if there were gender differences in participants' experiences of surveillance and shame. Data was collected from a sample of 174 participants. Independent-samples t-tests were used to test the main hypotheses focused on participation, and ANCOVAs were used to test the exploratory hypotheses focused on gender. Neither of the main hypotheses yielded significant results, whereas the exploratory hypotheses yielded results in the opposite direction of what was hypothesized. This study contributed interesting findings to the literature on WHP and wellness programs, as well as two keys factors that contribute to the development of body image. Participating in, or at least being exposed to, a WHP program may lead some employees to experience varying degrees of body surveillance or body shame, but said participation did not yield a significant increase in surveillance nor a significant decrease in shame. Of greater interest is that although male WHP program participants and non-participants alike reported significantly more body surveillance, there were no significant differences between both male and female participants (and non-participants) in the experience of body shame. These results have significant implications for future discussions surrounding the development of body image and experience in WHP programs.

Doctor of Philosophy, The Ohio State University, 2006, Psychology

Quantitative methods were used to identify women with positive body image and qualitative methods, with a focus on grounded theory, were used to analyze these women's data. Fifteen undergraduate females and five clinical/research experts offered information related to body image via interviews. Assertions emerged regarding women who espouse positive body image: (a) they embraced unique characteristics such as gratitude and self-love, (b) they relied on an encouraging social support network, (c) they identified and critiqued society's obsession with the female body, (d) they accepted a range of beauty ideals across racial/ethnic heritages, (e) they acknowledged the role of spirituality/religion in relation to body image, (f) they endorsed realistic self-appraisals, and (g) they adhered to healthy lifestyle choices that include intuitive eating/drinking and exercise. A fluid model of body image, including both positive and negative components, was created that emphasizes trait and state levels of this construct. This study adds incremental knowledge associated with positive body image and serves as foundation for future research on this topic.

Master of Science (MS), Ohio University, 2005, Nutrition Science (Health and Human Services)

Previous studies have suggested that Appalachian children have higher rates of obesity and unique barriers to obesity prevention. This study examines the relationship between actual weight status versus perception and satisfaction with that size in children of the Appalachian region. Thirty-one males (10.0±2.1 years) and 34 females (9.9±1.8 years) participated in the study. To assess actual body size, body mass index (BMI) and percent body fat using skinfold calipers were measured. The Children's Body Image Scale was used to evaluate body image and a survey completed by parents was used to compare income and educational status of these families versus the norm for Appalachian residents. Subjects had high rates of overweight and obesity with 26% having a BMI > than the 95th percentile and with 43.1% having a percent body fat that was classified as moderately high, high, or very high. Both genders showed a strong positive correlation (r =.694) between actual body image and perceived body image meaning that children of both genders did reasonably well estimating their actual body size. In contrast, 69% of children were dissatisfied with their current body size with 56% of females and 55% of males expressing the desire to be smaller. Interestingly, this study found a higher percentage of boys that wished to have a smaller figure in comparison to previous reports. Furthermore, participating families did not reflect the typical income or educational profile of Appalachian families suggesting that the underlying cause for the high incidence of obesity in these children is beyond poverty and may be related to something that could be innate to the region or pervasive in the culture. Overall, these results confirm previous studies showing high rates of obesity in children residing in Appalachia. Furthermore, this study demonstrates that children in this region are generally dissatisfied with that body size. Collectively, this study highlights the need for obesity prevention i (open full item for complete abstract)

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.), Bowling Green State University, 2024, Psychology/Clinical

Body dissatisfaction and maladaptive eating behaviors are common and associated with poor outcomes in young women, whereas the reverse is true for positive body image. Women in sports report better body image and less disordered eating than their non- athletic peers (Chapa et al., 2022; Varnes et al., 2013), but the literature has noteworthy deficits regarding positive body image and adaptive outcomes. Furthermore, the current literature is marked by significant heterogeneity (Chapa et al., 2022; Smolak et al., 2000; Rice et al., 2016) indicating collegiate female athletes may be better understood as a collection of distinct groups rather than a homogenous population. Thus, the present study employed a person-centered approach to identify subpopulations of female athletes based on body image and eating behavior variables using cluster analysis. Undergraduate women (N = 175) on college and university athletic teams completed an online survey. A k-means clustering algorithm examined solutions ranging from two to five clusters. The selected and replicated solution revealed four groups: 1) low disordered eating and positive body image (n = 71), 2) low disordered eating and negative body image (n = 59), 3) restricting (n = 32), and 4) binge eating and purging (n = 11). One-way ANOVAs found that cluster 1 reported lower self-objectification, greater embodiment, and more intuitive eating compared to clusters 2, 3, and 4. Cluster 4 exhibited poorer outcomes than other clusters, including greater negative body talk, muscularity talk, and cognitive restraint. Engaging in, but not hearing, positive body talk was associated with positive outcomes.

Master of Science, The Ohio State University, 2023, Kinesiology

Obesity has become a world-wide epidemic. Despite the health risks obesity and excess adiposity pose, the prevalence of obesity continues to increase. Lifestyle change, including modification of diet intake and exercise/physical activity participation, are now well-established as effective interventions for behavioral weight management, and increasing quality of life and health outcomes. Measuring change in body composition status is a key outcome in the evaluating the effects of lifestyle interventions. However, the most accurate body composition measurement devices are cost prohibitive, reducing their accessibility to underserved populations who typically have poorer health status and outcomes, which places additional limitations on the conclusions drawn from intervention research. Thus, there is a critical need for the development and validation of accurate and accessible body composition measurement devices. Previous research has shown that, compared to traditional criterion methods, 3-dimensional (3D) body scanners have mixed evidence of validity, but are typically highly reliable devices for measuring body composition. Because not all individuals have adequate knowledge of their body composition, contemporary evidence that focuses on potential change in body image perception after learning one's body composition is lacking. Specifically, there has been limited research into the changes in state body image perception, which may be affected by momentary fluctuations in anxiety level, situational contexts, and perceived evaluative threat. Objective. The primary objective of the present study was to investigate the initial validity of a 3D body scanner (“Styku”) against a criterion method (DEXA). A secondary objective was to evaluate changes in state measures of body image outcomes prior to and after body composition analysis. Methods. The study utilized cross-sectional design to obtain comparative body composition measurements using Styku and DEXA, and pre-po (open full item for complete abstract)

Doctor of Philosophy, University of Toledo, 2022, Health Education

Introduction: A high percentage of adolescents are dissatisfied with their bodies or experience body image disturbances. Body image disturbances that occur during adolescence is concerning given that self-image, self-esteem, and body image are closely related. Negative outcomes associated with body image disturbances include depressive symptoms, disordered eating, obesity, and reduced academic performance. Purpose: This dissertation includes two separate studies. The first study was a critical literature review, conducted to summarize and identify gaps in the literature regarding educational programs addressing body image among secondary schools. The second study was a pilot study evaluation of the effectiveness of the Respect YOU curriculum to determine its impact on students' eating expectancies, body image satisfaction and knowledge. Methods: (Study 1) The comprehensive literature review was completed using multiple academic databases, including Academic Search Complete, ERIC, MEDLINE, PsycInfo, PubMed, Web of Science, ProQuest, and Google Scholar. The article inclusion criteria consisted of programs that were conducted sometime between 2011-2021, implemented in the United States or Canada, and were targeted to adolescents. (Study 2) To evaluate the Respect YOU curriculum a quasi-experimental research design was used. More specifically, a pre-survey (n = 512) and post-survey (n = 444) were administered in the classroom with predetermined control groups to assess the impact of the curriculum. Results: (Study 1) Of the 11 articles reviewed, the level of scientific rigor varied, as neither the response rates nor validity measures were included in several articles. Of the articles reviewed, a total of 14 different scales were used to assess body image; making it difficult to draw comparisons in outcomes among the programs. However, in eight of the 11 articles reviewed, there was a small to medium positive effect on body image outcomes post-intervention. (Study 2) (open full item for complete abstract)

Master of Science (MS), Ohio University, 2016, Child and Family Studies (Health Sciences and Professions)

Statement of the problem: The developmental task for adolescents to accept their body may be hindered by the diagnosis of a chronic illness. There is a lack of adequate support or resources to assist adolescents with a chronic illness in building a positive body image and self-esteem. Methodology: A retrospective interview was conducted with three adults who were diagnosed with a chronic illness during or prior to adolescence. The interview consisted of body assessment questions and questions about their process of building self-esteem and a positive body image. There was also a Rosenberg's Self-Esteem Scale for both their current self and adolescent self, completed prior to the interview. Conclusion: Adolescents with a chronic illness benefit from parents, peers without a chronic illness, and other adolescents with a chronic illness, as long as those groups are supportive. The primary source of self-esteem and positive body image comes from body acceptance, which is facilitated through positive, supportive interactions with the aforementioned groups.

Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.), Xavier University, 2016, Psychology

With recent advances in cancer treatments, breast cancer is now considered more of a chronic illness than an acute disease. However, breast cancer survivors are expected to have to manage the long-term effects of treatment, such as fatigue, insomnia, lymphedema, treatment induced menopausal symptoms, weight gain, hair loss, depression, anxiety, and body image distress, which can negatively impact valued living, or quality of life. Various ACT components may be key in predicting valued living in breast cancer survivors. The present study examined the predictive role of Body Image related components (i.e., Body Image Distress and Body Image Flexibility) and components of the ACT model (i.e., Acceptance, Mindfulness, and Experiential Avoidance), in the domains of Valued Living in breast cancer survivors. A sample of 157 breast cancer survivors was recruited from online breast cancer support groups. Results were analyzed using multiple regression. Results indicated that overall, the ACT variables and body image components, as a set, predicted some domains of Valued Living Satisfaction and Valued Living Behaviors. Chronic Illness Acceptance-Activity Engagement and Age were determined to be independent predictors of certain Valued Living domains. These results suggest components of ACT, specifically Chronic Illness Acceptance-Activity Engagement, may be predictive of some domains of Valued Living Satisfaction and Behaviors in breast cancer survivors.

Doctor of Philosophy, The Ohio State University, 2004, Psychology

Although the areas of feminism, body image, and sexism have received ample empirical attention, little attention has been paid to these variables in combination. Furthermore, racial/ethnic differences have not always been taken into consideration, leaving many questions as to the generalizability of previous findings. The present study examined the relationships between perceived experiences with sexism, body image dissatisfaction, and feminist identity development in a group of European and African American female college students (ns = 116 and 95, respectively). Participants completed the Schedule of Sexist Events, the Body Shape Questionnaire, the Sociocultural Attitudes toward Appearance Questionnaire, the Feminist Identity Composite, and a demographic questionnaire. As expected, sexism was positively correlated with both body image dissatisfaction and feminist identity development, whereas body image dissatisfaction and feminist identity development were negatively correlated. Results also supported the hypothesis that African and European American women would not differ in their perceived experiences with sexism. However, differences did emerge on feminist identity development, with African American women endorsing interest in social change more frequently compared to European American women. In general, no differences were found between the two groups on body image dissatisfaction. Though, African American women did report less internalization of societal messages about beauty compared to European American women. Finally, results did not support the hypothesis that feminist identity development would moderate the relationship between sexism and body image dissatisfaction, with one exception. Feminist identity moderated the relationship between African American women's recent experiences with sexism and body image dissatisfaction measured by the Body Shape Questionnaire. Implications for counseling and directions for future research are explored.

Master of Arts (MA), Bowling Green State University, 2013, Popular Culture

Thinspiration images, meant to inspire weight-loss, proliferate online through platforms that encourage the circulation of user-generated content. Despite numerous alarmist critiques in mass media about thinspiration and various academic studies investigating 'pro-anorexia' sites, surprisingly little attention has been given to the processes of creation and the symbolic potential of thinspiration. This thesis analyzes the formal hybridity of thinspiration, and its use as an expressive medium. The particularities of thinspiration (including its visual characteristics, creative processes, and exhibition) may be considered carefully constructed instances of self-representation, hinging on the expression of beliefs regarding the mind and body. While these beliefs are deeply entrenched in popular body management discourse, they also tend to rely on traditional dualist ideologies. Rather than simply emphasizing slenderness or reiterating standard assumptions about beauty, thinspiration often evokes pain and sadness, and employs truisms about the transcendence of flesh and rebellion against social constraints. By harnessing individualist discourse and the values of mind/body dualism, thinspiration becomes a space in which people struggling with disordered eating and body image issues may cast themselves as active agents—contrary to images of eating disorders proffered by popular and medical discourse.

PHD, Kent State University, 2013, College of Arts and Sciences / Department of Psychological Sciences

Body image disturbances are associated with a variety of health compromising behaviors; however, less is known about their impact on health maintenance behaviors. The present study investigated the relationship between body image disturbances and the frequency of a specific body-focused health maintenance behavior: breast self-examination (BSE). It was hypothesized that two manifestations of body image disturbance, body shame and body avoidance, would be negatively associated with frequency of BSE in the past year and intended frequency of BSE in the coming year. Furthermore, it was hypothesized that health anxiety and risk perception for breast cancer would moderate the relationship between body image disturbance and frequency of BSE in the past year. As a secondary research question, the impact of body image disturbance on the self-reported level of negative affect experienced during BSE was investigated. Participants were 120 women between the ages of 21 and 40 (M age = 24.14, SD = 4.78; M BMI = 24.73, SD = 5.75) recruited from a large public university. Following informed consent, participants completed a battery of self-report questionnaires assessing demographic variables, body image disturbances, BSE behaviors and intentions, health anxiety, and risk perception. Participants were also encouraged to complete follow-up questionnaires for three months assessing frequency of BSE and associated negative affect. Results showed that when the entire sample was considered, neither body shame nor body avoidance were significantly associated with past year BSE or BSE intentions and neither health anxiety nor risk perception emerged as moderators. However, when only women ages 22 to 40 years old were considered in post hoc analyses, body shame significantly predicted past year BSE and both body shame and body avoidance significantly predicted BSE intentions. Additionally, risk perception emerged as a predictor of past year BSE. An additional post hoc analysis revea (open full item for complete abstract)

Master of Arts, The Ohio State University, 2005, Graduate School

Psy. D., Antioch University, 2024, Antioch Seattle: Clinical Psychology

The effects of highly visual social media (HVSM) on the body image of users is a widespread concern amongst consumers and popular topic of research. While numerous studies have explored the effects of HVSM on women's body image, the literature on men's body image, particularly among cisgender heterosexual men, is comparatively sparse. The present study utilized constructivist grounded theory methodology to develop an explanatory model illustrating how HVSM engagement by cisgender heterosexual emerging adult men influences their body image. Data analysis revealed how specific HVSM platform attributes, a user's behavior on an HVSM platform, a user's perception of an ideal male physique, and the appearance-related content they viewed on HVSM platforms contributed to deleterious effects on their body image. The findings of the study offers insight to an understudied demographic group comprising a large share of social media users and suggest areas of future inquiry to better delineate HVSM effects on men. This dissertation is available in open access at AURA (https://aura.antioch.edu) and OhioLINK ETD Center (https://etd.ohiolink.edu).

Psy. D., Antioch University, 2023, Antioch New England: Clinical Psychology

Body dissatisfaction is a critical risk factor for well-being; however, it can be considered normative in women. Body dissatisfaction is exceptionally high for women in larger bodies (Murnen, 2011). Due to body dissatisfaction's prevalence and risk, mental health providers must assist higher-weight women in developing body appreciation. This qualitative study aims to comprehend how weight-neutral treatments promote body appreciation among higher-weight women. Utilizing a feminist and positive psychology framework, the study explored how higher-weight women developed body appreciation, how weight-neutral treatment promoted this development, and what outside factors assisted their progression. Comparison analysis between the weight-neutral and weight-focused samples was completed to compare body appreciation trajectories and treatment factors. Nine higher-weight women participated in semi-structured interviews. Six women were in the weight-neutral treatment sample. With use of Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis, 11 global themes were extracted from the weight-neutral group's experience. Themes captured body image development, weight bias effects on well-being, treatment experiences, treatment and outside factors that promoted body appreciation, and the impact of developing body appreciation. Nine themes emerged out of the weight-focused data. Implications for clinical practice and training, as well as future research, are discussed.

MA, University of Cincinnati, 2023, Arts and Sciences: Communication

This study was conducted to investigate how the use of TikTok impacts Black American Muslim teen girls body image and identity. The analysis of twelve one-on-one interviews with girls aged thirteen to eighteen revealed the dialectical tensions girls experience in this stage of their identity formation and experience of embodiment. While TikTok use is often viewed as negatively impacting their psychosocial development, this study found some positive benefits. This implies that media platforms and media use can aid positive body education.

Doctor of Philosophy, The Ohio State University, 2023, Educational Studies

Little attention has been given to research focusing on stress, coping, and their relation to body image for female collegiate endurance athletes. Beginning with a historical overview of the female collegiate athlete experience, the current study then implemented a synthesis of diverse research and theory to frame these relationships. Specifically, the present inquiry was informed by two broad categories of literature that complemented each other to provide a framework through which stress, coping, and body image for female collegiate endurance athletes was explored. The categories focused on for this study included: (1) stress and coping and (2) body image. The study used the Transactional Theory of Stress and Coping to help conceptualize the dynamic interplay between stress and coping. Additionally, embodiment and disembodiment were used as frameworks to center body image in the study. The purpose of this social constructivist narrative inquiry was to explore the lived experiences of female collegiate endurance athletes' stress and coping and their relationship with and understanding of body image. Two research questions guided this study: (a) How do female collegiate endurance athletes use coping mechanisms in stressful situations?; and (b) How does body image relate to coping in stressful situations for female collegiate endurance athletes? This study used a social constructivist paradigmatic perspective and narrative inquiry methodological perspective. Both were well suited for this topic as they demonstrated the female collegiate endurance athletes' experiences as lived stories (Clandinin & Connelly, 2000) and emphasized the individuals' interaction with the larger social world around them (Clandinin & Rosiek, 2007). The main data collection happened in the form of life history-like interviews, which helped gain an understanding of individual events within the contexts of broader life experiences (Adriansen, 2012). Furthermore, life history interviews e (open full item for complete abstract)

Master of Arts (MA), Bowling Green State University, 2023, Popular Culture

It is important to acknowledge and observe common themes that have continued to present themselves over time throughout the history of Black performance. A theme that is in need of recognition in order to move forward as a society is the hypersexualization of Black female artists in the hip-hop industry. The current generation of Black female hip-hop artists have continued to utilize the theme of hypersexuality in correlation with the “Body Positivity Movement”. Within this acknowledgement it is important to include the icons that are choosing to freely express their bodies, sexuality, and share this influence with society in a positive light. This framework will focus on icons such as Melissa Jefferson known as Lizzo, and Megan Pete known as Megan Thee Stallion. Black female bodies have gone through a continuing pattern of being scrutinized by society throughout generations, specifically broken down into body parts rather than the whole body. This results in the dehumanization of black female bodies that are often treated like a souvenir or an animal. The 1996 play “Venus'' written by American playwright Suzan-Lori Parks, will be used in this framework to paint the clear picture of hypersexualization that is apparent in contemporary life. This thesis will also be utilizing theories and schools of thought such as Bell Hooks and Kimberle Crenshaw's intersectional feminist frameworks, Susan Bordo's gender studies approach and Lev Vygotski's sociocultural theory. These frameworks will be applied to contemporary pieces created by Megan Thee Stallion and Lizzo such as songs, interviews, TikToks, and health resources.

PHD, Kent State University, 2022, College of Education, Health and Human Services / School of Lifespan Development and Educational Sciences

This qualitative research sought to answer two questions: (a) how do gay men experience objectification; and (b) what are the effects of this objectification on the lives of these men? These questions were answered through the use of Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA). Seven men who identified as gay participated in the interviews. The focus of these interviews was to gain a better understanding of how objectification is experienced by gay men as well as exploring the impact that perceived or experienced objectification has on their lives. Using the steps of data analysis in IPA (J. A. Smith et al., 2009), two main themes and four subthemes emerged. The first theme to emerge was that gay men view objectification as part of being in gay culture. Two subthemes supporting this theme are that groups or categories arise based on objectification and objectification is rarely, if ever, challenged within the gay community. The second theme was that there are social and emotional repercussions that come out of the objectification. The subthemes that emerged here were that the men interviewed had specific concerns for themselves and also had concerns for the community as a whole.

Doctor of Philosophy, Case Western Reserve University, 2022, Sociology

The growing prevalence and severity of both clinical and subclinical eating disorders resulted in the inclusion of a Healthy People 2020 objective aimed at reducing the proportion of individuals who engage in disordered eating behaviors. At the same time, survivors of intimate body trauma (childhood abuse, sexual assault, dating violence, etc.) are coming forward with their own violence narratives at unprecedented rates thanks to global support movements such as #MeToo. Research on the development of disordered eating behaviors after the experience of recurrent intimate body trauma (IBT) over the life course is limited but has been linked in compensatory &/or coping mechanistic ways. This dissertation explored the relationships that may exist between poor body image, a range of maladaptive eating behaviors, comorbid mental health issues, and experiences of IBT over the early life course. This research specifically utilized secondary data analysis from a large, nationally representative sample of U.S. men and womxn followed over 24 years (1994-2018) to expand on the methodology and findings from previous clinical, small-scale studies. Drawing on sociological theories related to cumulative disadvantage, stress proliferation, and toxic socialization this dissertation systematically explored the impact(s) of IBT over the early life course. A sociological understanding of the cumulative impact trauma has on the body is necessary to evaluate who may be at most risk for future revictimization and their associated mental health outcomes. Findings from this dissertation revealed that survivors of recurrent IBT experiences are roughly 2 to 4 times more likely to suffer from a range of mental health issues as compared to those who have not experienced sexual violence. Additionally, according to analysis results, queer IBT survivors are at risk of developing maladaptive mental health outcomes at a rate of 2 to 3 times that of heterosexual survivors. Analysis results al (open full item for complete abstract)

Doctor of Philosophy, University of Akron, 0, Psychology-Counseling

Ethnic identity has largely been studied as a major component of identity within Latina/o adults. Within Latina/o cultures, different values, such as marianismo, provide certain expectations about gender and the role women have that has not been examined within counseling psychology. The impact of marianismo among Latinas in regard to other areas such as femininity and body image is relatively unknown. Therefore, the purpose of the current study was to determine whether there are unique relationships among ethnic identity, marianismo, body image, and femininity within Latinas using a multicultural framework. Participants included 103 self identified Latina adults recruited through snowball sampling. Mediation analyses indicated Latina ethnic identity did not directly affect the relationship between marianismo beliefs and body image. There was no support found for conformity to feminine norms mediating the relationship between marianismo beliefs and ethnic identity. Results also indicated a small but significant relationship with conformity to feminine norms and marianismo beliefs. The primary implication for this study points to the need for further exploration of the intersectional identity experiences of Latinas and cultural values.