ERIC Number: EJ1456948
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2025
Pages: 10
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0744-8481
EISSN: EISSN-1940-3208
What Can My Body Do for Me? Guided Body-Functionality Mirror Gazing Task Improved College Women's Body Appreciation and Body Functionality Orientation
Julia Brooks; D. Catherine Walker; Kristen Murray
Journal of American College Health, v73 n1 p187-196 2025
Objective: Focusing on body functionality -- what the body can do -- may benefit women's body image. This pilot study examined the effects of focusing on body functionality appreciation during an audio-guided mirror gazing task (F-MGT). Participants: 101 college women, M(SD)[subscript AGE] = 19.49(1.31), were alternately assigned to F-MGT or a comparison with no guidance on how to examine the body, directed attention mirror gazing task (DA-MGT). Methods: Participants self-reported pre- and post-MGT body appreciation, state appearance satisfaction, and orientation to and satisfaction with physical functionality. Results: Group interactions were significant for body appreciation and functionality orientation. DA-MGT decreased body appreciation from pre- to post-MGT; F-MGT did not change. There were no significant interactions in post-MGT state appearance satisfaction or functionality satisfaction, though state appearance satisfaction increased significantly in F-MGT. Conclusions: Integrating body functionality may buffer against harmful effects of mirror gazing. Given F-MGT's brevity, additional work must assess its potential as an intervention technique.
Descriptors: Human Body, Self Concept, Pilot Projects, Females, College Students, Interpersonal Attraction, Physical Characteristics, Task Analysis, Self Evaluation (Individuals), Audio Equipment, Comparative Analysis, Student Attitudes, Intervention, Psychological Patterns, Likert Scales, Behavior Patterns, Race, Ethnicity, Body Composition
Taylor & Francis. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 530 Walnut Street Suite 850, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Tel: 215-625-8900; Fax: 215-207-0050; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A