Future directions for positive body image research

Halliwell, Emma

Abstract

© 2015 Elsevier Ltd. The emergence of positive body image research during the last 10 years represents an important shift in the body image literature. The existing evidence provides a strong empirical basis for the study of positive body image and research has begun to address issues of age, gender, ethnicity, culture, development, and intervention in relation to positive body image. This article briefly reviews the existing evidence before outlining directions for future research. Specifically, six areas for future positive body image research are outlined: (a) conceptualization, (b) models, (c) developmental factors, (d) social interactions, (e) cognitive processing style, and (f) interventions. Finally, the potential role of positive body image as a protective factor within the broader body image literature is discussed.

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Publication Date: Jan 1, 2015
• Deposit Date: Oct 21, 2015
• Publicly Available Date: Oct 7, 2016
• Journal: Body Image
• Print ISSN: 1740-1445
• Publisher: Elsevier
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 14
• Pages: 177-189
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bodyim.2015.03.003
• Keywords: body appreciation, positive body image, future directions, protective factors, cognitive processing, development, body image
• Public URL: https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/833581
• Publisher URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.bodyim.2015.03.003
• Contract Date: Sep 19, 2016