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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 (n = 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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This retrospective study examined developmental trajectories of women's body image perceptions throughout the adult life span from life course and self-discrepancy theory perspectives. Data were collected from women over 65 years of age, recruited from 15 senior communities and centers in a Midwest U.S. state in 2012. A total of 102 older women completed a survey about their past and current body image perceptions. To examine developmental trajectories of the repeated body image measures, a latent growth modeling analysis was adopted. Distinct and significant trajectories in each body image measure during the entire adult life course were found, confirming that a retrospective account of women's body image perceptions significantly change with age. The individual differences in the trajectories over time and the relationship between an individual's initial mean level and the rate of change on each variable were also examined. The findings advanced understanding of the retrospective age effects on women's body image throughout the adult life span. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We explored the role that social support plays in the lives of women who have undergone bariatric surgery. We conducted in-depth interviews with 13 women who had had bariatric surgery (M age = 53.0 years) and analyzed the data using constant comparison processes. We found that individuals in participants’ lives offered support by acting as role models and providing information, offering empathy and expressions of concern and caring, assisting with everyday responsibilities, and serving as companions. In turn, these forms of support guided participants’ behavior, calmed their concerns, enhanced their self-esteem, relieved them of daily responsibilities, and offered them companionship in their bariatric journeys. Consistent with the existing theory, differently situated individuals specialized in offering particular types of support. Although participants appreciated the support received, many indicated a desire for more or “better” support, pointing to a need for resources guiding supporters in how to best offer support to bariatric patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Body satisfaction, largely ignored in studies of online shopping for body-involved products, was examined as an antecedent variable to the virtual product experience. The purpose of this study was to investigate how body satisfaction relates to the virtual product experience and attitudinal and behavioral intentions in the body-absent, online apparel shopping environment. Data were collected through a Web-based survey, and 403 female students from a Midwestern university in the U.S. responded. Findings from structural equation modeling showed that participants with higher body satisfaction tended to perceive more enjoyment of the virtual product experience in online apparel shopping, which helped them to facilitate more positive attitude toward products and increase online purchase intention. Results indicate that body satisfaction shapes enjoyment of the virtual product experience and leads to individual differences in online apparel shopping. Managerial implications to improve virtual product experience-related strategies in online apparel shopping are proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]