In God's Image: The Effects of Religiosity on Body Image

Location

Room 217, Schewel Hall

Access Type

Campus Access Only

Entry Number

115

Start Date

4-5-2023 9:15 AM

End Date

4-5-2023 9:30 AM

College

Lynchburg College of Arts and Sciences

Department

Psychology

Keywords

body image, body dissatisfaction, religiosity, relationship with God

Abstract

Body image dissatisfaction is a prevalent issue in the United States, and can be related to long-term problems, such as eating pathology or eating disorders. Religious beliefs and one’s relationship with God can play a role in how individuals perceive their body, and whether they approve of this part of themselves. The purpose of the current study is to determine whether relationship with religious community, daily spiritual experiences, manifestation of God in the body, sacred qualities of the body, and relationship with God predict body image after controlling for age, depression, and anxiety using a multiple regression analysis. Participants (N=115) were primarily white, female middle-aged community dwellers recruited predominantly from churches, although there were some participants who were recruited from a small liberal arts college or through social media. Participants completed an online survey about their perceived body image, their interactions with religion, and their relationship with God. The results indicated that when individuals believe their body to be sacred, they experience positive body image. This research can inform mental health providers in supporting clients with negative body image by incorporating the spiritual view of their body into therapeutic practices.

Faculty Mentor(s)

Dr. Ei Hlaing

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Apr 5th, 9:15 AM Apr 5th, 9:30 AM

In God's Image: The Effects of Religiosity on Body Image

Room 217, Schewel Hall

Body image dissatisfaction is a prevalent issue in the United States, and can be related to long-term problems, such as eating pathology or eating disorders. Religious beliefs and one’s relationship with God can play a role in how individuals perceive their body, and whether they approve of this part of themselves. The purpose of the current study is to determine whether relationship with religious community, daily spiritual experiences, manifestation of God in the body, sacred qualities of the body, and relationship with God predict body image after controlling for age, depression, and anxiety using a multiple regression analysis. Participants (N=115) were primarily white, female middle-aged community dwellers recruited predominantly from churches, although there were some participants who were recruited from a small liberal arts college or through social media. Participants completed an online survey about their perceived body image, their interactions with religion, and their relationship with God. The results indicated that when individuals believe their body to be sacred, they experience positive body image. This research can inform mental health providers in supporting clients with negative body image by incorporating the spiritual view of their body into therapeutic practices.