title: Future directions for positive body image research.
abstract: The emergence of positive body image research during the last 10 years represents an important shift in the body image literature. The existing evidence provides a strong empirical basis for the study of positive body image and research has begun to address issues of age, gender, ethnicity, culture, development, and intervention in relation to positive body image. This article briefly reviews the existing evidence before outlining directions for future research. Specifically, six areas for future positive body image research are outlined: (a) conceptualization, (b) models, (c) developmental factors, (d) social interactions, (e) cognitive processing style, and (f) interventions. Finally, the potential role of positive body image as a protective factor within the broader body image literature is discussed.
authors: Centre for Appearance Research, University of the West of England, Bristol, UK. Electronic address: emma.halliwell@uwe.ac.uk.
authors: Emma
authors: E
authors: Halliwell
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001364:Awareness; D001828:Body Image / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D005783:Gender Identity; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008297:Male; D010549:Personal Satisfaction; D011606:Psychosexual Development; D012106:Research; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Body appreciation; Cognitive processing; Development; Future directions; Positive body image; Protective factors