Title: A Preliminary Review of Positive Body Image among Dancers
Name: Alexandra Rodriguez
Primary Presenters: Alexandra Rodriguez
College of Health Sciences
Research Doctorate (PhD)
Faculty Sponsor(s): Dr. Christy Greenleaf

Dance is an aesthetic sport and form of physical activity which emphasizes the appearance of the body. With body appearance as a significant point of focus, dancers report negative body image (e.g., body dissatisfaction) and related pathogenic behaviors (e.g., disordered eating). Though much of the literature has focused on negative components of body image among dancers, emerging literature suggests dance may foster positive body image (e.g., body appreciation). To better understand positive body image among dancers, the investigator conducted a preliminary review of the literature. The search terms “positive body image” and “dancers” were inputted on Web of Science, PubMed, and PsycINFO research databases. From the search, five studies were selected to further review. The studies were selected based on the participant demographics (e.g., females aged 18 years and older who participate in dance) and the quantitative assessment of positive body image. These studies compared body appreciation within dancers (e.g., ballet and contemporary) and between dancers (e.g., belly, pole, and street) and non-dancers. Body appreciation was higher among dancers than non-dancers and differed among dancers in different levels. The presence of body appreciation may suggest dance influences positive body image among dancers. Thus, future research should explore factors, such as instructors and style of dance, that influence positive body image and other facets of positive body image among dancers.

https://sites.uwm.edu/healthresearchsymposium/files/formidable/2/Rodriguez-A_References.pdf