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Background
Body image disturbances and disordered eating behaviors are prevalent across college campuses and can lead to psychological and physical health consequences.
Purpose
The purpose of this study was to gain formative research on the promotion of positive body image on a university campus with the goal of developing educational programs.
Method
From an initial recruitment survey (n = 235), 30 female university freshmen participants were selected for semistructured interviews to discuss the influence of body image on the freshman college experience.
Results
Participants recommended continuing typical campus positive body image promotion activities, such as counseling services, support groups, exercise facilities, healthy eating options, and knowledge-based programs, as well as introducing more innovative approaches (e.g., building friendships, displaying more diverse bodies on campus posters). The most pervasive themes included self-acceptance ideas and a feeling of learned helplessness about finding preventive solutions for body image problems.
Discussion
Addressing the idea of learned helplessness among college students is vital for eliminating barriers for prevention work. It is important to integrate the Health at Every Size approach into positive body image promotion programs in order to encourage self-acceptance and promote health over thinness.