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5 - Appearance-Related Practices

Can They Be Part of a Positive Body Image?

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  29 June 2018

By
Kristina Holmqvist Gattario  and
Carolina Lunde
Edited by
Elizabeth A. Daniels ,
Meghan M. Gillen  and
Charlotte H. Markey
Elizabeth A. Daniels
Affiliation:
University of Colorado, Colorado Springs
Meghan M. Gillen
Affiliation:
Pennsylvania State University
Charlotte H. Markey
Affiliation:
Rutgers University, New Jersey
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Summary

In body image research, people’s engagement in appearance-related behaviors are usually problematized as a sign of body image concerns or a (too) strong emphasis on physical appearance. This chapter, however, explores whether appearance-related practices are always “bad”, or if they can also be associated with healthy outcomes and positive body image. Using different theoretical frameworks, we discuss the complex nature of appearance-related practices and propose that describing them as solely bad and related to negative body image may be too simplistic. Based on a review of the existing literature, we highlight three ways in which appearance-related practices may be connected to a positive body image, or increased body satisfaction: a) appearance-related practices to project one’s sense of identity and personal style, b) appearance-related practices as expressions of self-care, and c) the positive feedback loop between appearance-related practices, approximating body ideals, and increased body satisfaction. Although the literature is scarce, we conclude that appearance-related practices can be part of a positive body image. Still, we need not to forget that most appearance-related practices are conditioned by constraining norms which makes us question whether appearance-related practices can really be an autonomous choice, whether they are empowering or disempowering, and for whom.
Type
Chapter
Information
Body Positive
Understanding and Improving Body Image in Science and Practice
 , pp. 111 - 134
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2018

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