Author : Lisa West-Smith
Publisher :
ISBN 13 : 9780591465334
Total Pages : 146 pages
Book Rating : 4.4/5 (653 download)
Book Synopsis Body Image Perceptions of Active Outdoorswomen by : Lisa West-Smith
Download or read book Body Image Perceptions of Active Outdoorswomen written by Lisa West-Smith and published by . This book was released on 1997 with total page 146 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Body image, or the cognitive experience of the physical self, has been extensively studied in the context of the larger field of eating disorders. Self esteem is a related factor commonly discussed in the development, prevention, and treatment of body image and eating problems; prior research in the developing field of outdoor adventure suggests that participation in nature based activities results in increased self esteem. Women's nature writing also resonates with similar themes related to the transformative effects of nature. Yet a gap in the literature exists on the effects of participation in outdoor adventure activities on women's body image. the purpose of this feminist based exploratory study is to obtain information on the body image perceptions of active outdoorswomen. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected in a mail survey of 150 trip participants from Woodswomen, an internationally active women's outdoor adventure program. An original questionnaire that included demographic questions, Secord and Jourard's Body Cathexis Scale (1953), and open ended items was utilized for data collection. Eighty six women responded to the survey, representing approximately 12.2% of the organization's membership. the demographic profile reflects high educational and income levels, diversity in age and sexual orientations, and lack of ethnic diversity. Participants self defined and self rated physical attractiveness and physical effectiveness. Definitions of physical attractiveness were not consistent with those commonly depicted and dictated by media images of ultra thin fashion models. Ninety percent of participants rated themselves as at least average in physical attractiveness according to their definitions, rather than to compare themselves negatively to media ideals. Participant's self definitions for physical attractiveness centered around themes of (1) attractiveness defined according to the woman's perception of herself; (2) attractiveness defined using physical fitness; and (3) attractiveness defined according to the body's care. Implications of this, and of additional important findings, are discussed for outdoor adventure programming, body image and eating problem treatment and prevention, and further research. the study concludes with recommendations for a new definition of physical attractiveness for women, as further discourse and action on this topic is crucial for the health of women and girls.