A qualitative examination of factors associated with body image perception

Body image perception (BIP) contributes to whether or not a person will attempt to gain or lose weight. Therefore, it is important to understand how women feel about their bodies and what factors influence these feelings. Some studies have indicated that religion may be associated with higher BIP in some women. This qualitative study explored how women feel about their bodies, their religious beliefs, and other factors that may affect BIP in women. A convenience sample of five females affiliated with an online university were recruited through the university's research participant pool. Semi-structured telephone interviews were conducted. Interviews were audiotaped and then transcribed verbatim for analysis. Data were analyzed using an inductive coding process. Participants represented five states: Michigan, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, and Washington. Eighty percent of participants were Caucasian. Mean participant age was 48.8. Average participant BMI was 34.8 kg/m2. Eight themes were identified, including the role of compliments, societal views and comments, and contentment with God's creation. The results from this pilot study suggest that women may be torn between feelings of weight dissatisfaction and religious beliefs that suggest that they should be happy with themselves. Additionally, societal views and negative comments about their weight may cause women to have negative feelings about themselves. However, the results also demonstrate that women can be satisfied with their bodies, despite being overweight or obese. Interventions that promote social support and acceptance, while focusing on physical activity may be appropriate for women that consider themselves religious or spiritual.