Journal article
A. Ciao, Olivia C Ohls, Kevin D Pringle
International Journal of Eating Disorders, 2018
International Journal of Eating Disorders, 2018
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APA
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Ciao, A., Ohls, O. C., & Pringle, K. D. (2018). Should body image programs be inclusive? A focus group study of college students. International Journal of Eating Disorders.
Chicago/Turabian
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Ciao, A., Olivia C Ohls, and Kevin D Pringle. “Should Body Image Programs Be Inclusive? A Focus Group Study of College Students.” International Journal of Eating Disorders (2018).
MLA
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Ciao, A., et al. “Should Body Image Programs Be Inclusive? A Focus Group Study of College Students.” International Journal of Eating Disorders, 2018.
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@article{a2018a,
title = {Should body image programs be inclusive? A focus group study of college students},
year = {2018},
journal = {International Journal of Eating Disorders},
author = {Ciao, A. and Ohls, Olivia C and Pringle, Kevin D}
}
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Most evidence-based body image programs for college students (e.g., the Body Project) are designed for female-only audiences, although body dissatisfaction is not limited to female-identified individuals. Furthermore, programs do not explicitly discuss diversity, although individuals with marginalized gender, racial, and sexual identities may be particularly vulnerable to body image disturbances. Making programs more inclusive may increase their disseminability.
METHOD This qualitative study examined the feasibility of adapting the Body Project for universal and inclusive use with college students. Participants (N = 36; M age = 21.66 years; 73% female-identified; 20% sexual minority; 23% racial minority) attended one of five semi-structured focus groups to explore the inclusivity of appearance-based cultural norms using adapted Body Project activities and discuss the feasibility of universal and inclusive interventions. Inductive qualitative content analysis with three-rater consensus identified focus group themes.
RESULTS There was consensus that inclusive interventions could have a positive impact (broadening perspectives, normalizing body image concerns, increasing awareness) despite potential barriers (poor diversity representation, vulnerability). There was strong consensus regarding advice for facilitating inclusive interventions (e.g., skilled facilitation, education, increasing diversity).
DISCUSSION Results suggest that inclusive body image programs are desirable and provide a framework for creating the EVERYbody Project, a program for more universal audiences.
