What characterizes early adolescents with a positive body image? A qualitative investigation of Swedish girls and boys

The aim of the present study was to investigate positive body image during adolescence. Semi-structured interviews, centring on three body image domains (satisfaction with own appearance, views on exercise, and influence from family and friends) were conducted with 30 early adolescent Swedish girls...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Body image 2010-06, Vol.7 (3), p.205-212
Main Authors: Frisén, Ann, Holmqvist, Kristina
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adolescent
Adolescent Behavior - psychology
Body Image
Body Weight
Child
Exercise
Female
Health Behavior
Humans
Interviews as Topic
Male
Parents
Peer Group
Personal Satisfaction
Qualitative Research
Self Concept
Surveys and Questionnaires
Sweden
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Summary:The aim of the present study was to investigate positive body image during adolescence. Semi-structured interviews, centring on three body image domains (satisfaction with own appearance, views on exercise, and influence from family and friends) were conducted with 30 early adolescent Swedish girls and boys who at age 10 and 13 had shown the highest level of body satisfaction in a large longitudinal sample. The data were analyzed thematically. Results revealed that the adolescents' satisfaction with their own appearance was characterized by a functional view of the body and an acceptance of the bodily imperfections that they perceived that they had. The vast majority of the adolescents were physically active and found exercise joyful and health-promoting. Finally, although some of the adolescents had received negative comments about their appearance from family and friends, such comments were not given any importance.
ISSN:1740-1445
1873-6807
DOI:10.1016/j.bodyim.2010.04.001