Department of Fashion Design, Konkuk University, Seoul, South Korea.
Department of Apparel, Events, and Hospitality Management, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa, USA.
J Women Aging. 2022 Nov-Dec;34(6):810-827. doi: 10.1080/08952841.2021.2015197. Epub 2021 Dec 10.
Based on the life course perspective, this study used a mixed method approach to (1) arrive at a deeper understanding of body image in each of three adult life stages among older white women living in a Midwest state of the United States of America, (2) investigate how these women's body images have changed during aging, and (3) identify major life transitions affecting women's body image throughout the adult life span. This study used retrospective, self-reported data. Both open-ended and scale ratings questions were incorporated into the paper-based survey questionnaire. Older white women ( = 102) aged 65 to 94 years completed a survey questionnaire. Written responses to seven open-ended questions assessing the older women's past and current body images were analyzed, and 14 themes emerged. A quantitative scale of body satisfaction with five body attributes was included to provide a validity check with written responses. The women's body images significantly changed across the adult life span, reflecting different body concerns and evaluations at each life stage. This study revealed contrasting results to previous cross-generational comparisons which concluded that women's perceived level of body satisfaction remains stable through life. Many of the women expressed some degree of positive body image at all stages but became less satisfied with several aspects of their bodies as they aged, including aging appearance, decline in physical function, and several health problems. The study provided a general picture of white women's body image development throughout the adult life span.
基于生命历程观，本研究采用混合方法，（1）深入了解生活在美国中西部一个州的老年白人女性在三个成年生活阶段的身体意象，（2）研究这些女性的身体意象在衰老过程中是如何变化的，以及（3）确定影响女性整个成年期身体意象的主要生活转变。本研究使用回顾性、自我报告的数据。在基于纸张的问卷调查中，同时纳入了开放式和量表评分问题。年龄在 65 至 94 岁的白人老年女性（n=102）完成了问卷调查。对评估老年女性过去和现在身体意象的七个开放式问题的书面回答进行了分析，并出现了 14 个主题。包括了身体满意度的五个身体属性的定量量表，以提供与书面回答的有效性检查。女性的身体意象在成年期发生了显著变化，反映了每个生命阶段不同的身体关注点和评价。本研究的结果与之前的跨代比较结果相反，之前的研究得出结论，女性对身体的满意度水平在整个生命周期中保持稳定。许多女性在所有阶段都表达了一定程度的积极身体意象，但随着年龄的增长，对身体的几个方面的满意度下降，包括衰老的外貌、身体功能下降和一些健康问题。本研究提供了白人女性整个成年期身体意象发展的总体情况。
