ERIC Number: EJ1025792
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2014
Pages: 7
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1932-5037
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
The Practical Application of Promoting Positive Body Image on a College Campus: Insights from Freshmen Women
Smith-Jackson, TeriSue; Reel, Justine J.; Thackeray, Rosemary
American Journal of Health Education, v45 n2 p105-111 2014
Background: Body image disturbances and disordered eating behaviors are prevalent across college campuses and can lead to psychological and physical health consequences. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to gain formative research on the promotion of positive body image on a university campus with the goal of developing educational programs. Method: From an initial recruitment survey (n = 235), 30 female university freshmen participants were selected for semistructured interviews to discuss the influence of body image on the freshman college experience. Results: Participants recommended continuing typical campus positive body image promotion activities, such as counseling services, support groups, exercise facilities, healthy eating options, and knowledge-based programs, as well as introducing more innovative approaches (e.g., building friendships, displaying more diverse bodies on campus posters). The most pervasive themes included self-acceptance ideas and a feeling of learned helplessness about finding preventive solutions for body image problems. Discussion: Addressing the idea of learned helplessness among college students is vital for eliminating barriers for prevention work. It is important to integrate the Health at Every Size approach into positive body image promotion programs in order to encourage self-acceptance and promote health over thinness.
Descriptors: Health Promotion, Human Body, Self Concept, Females, College Freshmen, Health Education, Semi Structured Interviews, Student Attitudes, Counseling, Exercise, Eating Habits, Health Behavior, Prevention, Barriers, Qualitative Research
Routledge. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 325 Chestnut Street Suite 800, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Fax: 215-625-2940; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A

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