Dr Nova Deighton-Smith

Adolescents access information about fitness, including content labelled as #fitspiration, through social media. A total of 77 adolescents (mean age = 12.49; standard deviation = 0.55; girls = 27) participated in semi-structured focus groups to explore their perspectives on #fitspiration and fitness more broadly. Through inductive thematic analysis, four themes were developed: (1) fitness enhances physical function and appearance, but these are not always linked; (2) fitness is transformative but requires hard work; (3) fitness should be an intrinsically motivated personal choice; and (4) pain in the pursuit of fitness. Findings highlight young adolescents’ complex understandings of fitness negotiated through their critical interpretation of #fitspiration.

Research suggests that exposure to #fitspiration content can result in increased body dissatisfaction. Employing a data-driven approach, the present study examines the nature of images and text contained within #fitspiration posts on social media. First, a content analysis of images labelled as #fitspiration on popular site Instagram (N = 1,000) was performed. People featured in 52% of images, of which nearly 90% of individuals were coded as having low body fat and 55% were coded as muscular. Individuals were typically presented in sexually objectified ways, which varied as a function of gender. Second, a thematic analysis of text from the same set of images (N = 400) was conducted to identify common themes and underlying meaning embedded within the messages. Six themes were developed: (1) Fit is sexy, (2) A fit physique requires commitment and self-regulation, (3) Your choices define you, (4) Pleasure and perseverance through pain, (5) Battle of the selves: You vs. You, and (6) Here’s to us! A celebration of a community. In combination, the analyses demonstrate how text and images found in #fitspiration posts perpetuate pervading sociocultural appearance ideals for men and women, positioning exercise as means to achieving these ideals. Furthermore, #fitspiration sexually objectifies the fit body, with text and images encouraging self-objectification and the distancing of the self from internal bodily functions in physical activity settings. Future research should focus on how #fitspiration content influences individuals in relation to how they think and feel about their body and physical activity.

Social comparison and appearance-related comments have been shown to influence body image development in women. Research findings on how women cope with bodily changes in pregnancy however, are equivocal. For some, pregnancy naturally bestows a period of protection from appearance-related concerns. In contrast, pregnancy can also present a time of increased body dissatisfaction. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with nine pregnant women; all who were first-time mothers-to-be. The aims were to explore their thoughts and experiences of their pregnant bodies, discuss motivations and barriers to exercise and understand their perceptions of how the pregnant body is represented in the media. Using thematic analysis, (Braun & Clarke, 2006), six themes were revealed: 1)“No man’s land; 2)“Stranger in the mirror”; 3)“The scarves came off!”; 4)“If she looks like that, should I?”; 5)“Pregnancy dictates ability to exercise” and 6)“Resigning control”. This presentation focuses on findings from theme four and highlights an uneasy period of self-evaluation for women during pregnancy, following appearance-related comments and comparisons from other people. Women described an array of effects; for some, this made them question their own pregnancy experience or appearance. Some felt compelled to ‘justify’ their weight gain or size following such comments. Exercise was predominantly described as a weight-management mechanism. Media images, in particular, precipitated unrealistic expectations about weight gain, pregnancy development or weight loss postpartum. This study suggests that despite being pregnant, women’s bodies continue to be scrutinised and therefore pregnancy may not necessarily offer women the period of respite from appearance concerns that they might expect.

The Westernised body ideal currently represents that of a fit, toned physique for both men and women. Social media provides a universal platform for individuals to share fitness ideas and bodily images as a means of inspiring others. To date, over two million images have been posted on Instagram using the hashtag #fitspiration. Research has yet to explore how individuals conceptualise a ‘fit’ body and its physical capacity via social media. Hence, a content analysis of 1000 Instagram #fitspiration images aimed to explore messages relating to appearance, health, and fitness. This represented eight hours of images. An analysis of the images revealed distinct categories in which they were grouped: i) ‘selfies’ (over 1/5th of the sample), ii) transformation shots, iii) portraits (with and without a face) that emphasised specific body parts, iv) food that portrayed ‘clean eating’, and v) images with an exercising slogan or mantra. Groupings were relatively comparable across men and women. The posting of selfies and portraits included objectified full body shots for women, whilst for men the emphasis was on their abdomens and arms. Images with slogans (n = 155) incorporated a background suggestive of some form of physical activity. Preliminary findings suggest that fitness inspiration on social media is predominantly aesthetics-focused, irrespective of gender. Images depicted exercise as a mechanism to achieve change in one’s physical appearance. This may have a detrimental impact on those who aspire to unhealthy and unattainable fitness- and appearance-related goals. A textual analysis of the slogans will also be presented.

Objectives: Resistance exercise facilitates healthy aging in women but is ostensibly promoted to improve physiological health in later life and reduce weight gain. However, the psychosocial outcomes of resistance training in midlife are often overlooked. Given the pervasive messages that exist in fitness culture around exercise and appearance, this study explores experiences of strength training in perimenopause that embody wellbeing, functionality, vasomotor symptoms, and sociocultural ideals of ageing. Design: An online, qualitative survey was distributed via University webpages and social media, informed by relevant health, physical activity, and body image literature. Participants self-identified as individuals experiencing menopausal symptoms (inclusive of non-binary or trans) and confirmed engagement in regular strength training. Method: Participants’ ages ranged from 35 to 60 years (n = 58, M = 48.03, SD = 5.61) with 98.3% identifying as a (cis-)woman, 82.8% as White British, and 46.6% strength training for three years or more. Reflexive thematic analysis was employed to interpret patterns of shared meaning. Results: Three themes were developed: 1) Empowerment in “feeling strong” and building muscle, 2) “A mental health game-changer”, and 3) Invisibility of the perimenopausal body. Strength training was understood as beneficial for improved mobility, yet many reported more subtle changes (e.g., improved mood) through the transition and welcomed a sense of focus and control. Evidence-based awareness of strength training in midlife was perceived to be lacking within medical guidance and physical activity spaces. Findings therefore offer nuanced insight into perimenopausal experiences that emphasise enhanced body image and wellbeing outcomes of strength training.

Background: Resistance exercise facilitates healthy aging in women and engaging in resistance training can substantially improve physiological health outcomes in midlife. However, the psychosocial outcomes of strength training are often overlooked in the research and there is a significant gender gap addressing the optimal exercises for women to consider through perimenopause and beyond. Furthermore, research has not accounted for women's perceptions and experiences of strength training during perimenopause. Aims: Given the pervasive messages that exist in fitness culture around exercise and appearance, the aim was to understand embodied experiences of strength and/or resistance training during the perimenopausal transition, in the context of body functionality and vasomotor symptoms. Furthermore, to discuss the societal stigma that exists around muscularity in women. Methods: An online, qualitative survey was distributed via University webpages and social media. Participants selfidentified as individuals experiencing menopausal symptoms (inclusive of non-binary or trans) who engaged in regular strength training. Participants’ ages ranged from 35 to 60 years (n = 58, M = 48.03) with 98.3% identifying as a (cis-) woman, 82.8% as White British, and 46.6% strength training for three years or more. Reflexive thematic analysis was employed to interpret patterns of shared understandings. Results: Three themes were developed: 1) Empowerment in “feeling strong” and building muscle, 2) “A mental health game-changer”, and 3) Invisibility of the perimenopausal body. Strength training was understood as beneficial for improved mobility, yet many reported more subtle changes (e.g., improved mood) through the transition and welcomed a sense of focus and control. Evidence-based awareness of strength training in midlife was perceived to be lacking within medical guidance and fitness environments. Conclusion: Findings offer nuanced insight into perimenopausal experiences that emphasise enhanced body image and wellbeing outcomes of strength training; useful for clinical practice and those working with clients in physical activity spaces.

Creating and sharing content that ostensibly inspires fitness remains a popular use of Instagram. Most research examining #fitspiration involves content from over five years ago. This study aims to understand constructions of fitness motivation in Instagram posts labelled ‘#fitspiration’ from 2021 and draw comparisons to posts from 2014. A dataset of 1000 posts labelled #fitspiration was extracted from Instagram; 210 were excluded as were video stills, resulting in a final sample of 790. Content analysis showed images mainly contained exercise-related content, people, and text. People were typically depicted in gendered and objectified ways, and also adhered to sociocultural body ideals surrounding thinness and muscularity. While similar to the 2014 dataset, significantly more exercise images, and significantly fewer diet images were found. There were also fewer markers of objectification and thin and/or muscular bodies. Reflexive thematic analysis was used to analyse text contained within images. Three themes were developed; (1) “Never miss a Monday”: Fitness and health have rules, (2) Just do it: Lifting the weight of self-doubt, and (3) Strive to be the best: Consequences of decision-making. Like the 2014 dataset, themes constructed thin and muscular bodies as the desired end-goal of fitness and emphasised personal responsibility for fitness practices. However, some messages from 2014 were less salient (e.g., equating fitness with sexual attractiveness) and also different ways of motivating fitness were identified (e.g., through instruction). Combined, analyses highlight how #fitspiration content in 2021 was very similar to 2014, but with more emphasis on exercise and slightly less on appearance.

Menopause and perimenopause are natural phases of life that bring about significant physiological changes, including alterations in hormonal levels, bone density, cardiovascular health, and muscle mass. These changes directly affect women’s wellbeing and ability to maintain and benefit from physical activity. Understanding the perspectives of these women and identifying evidence-based strategies is crucial. Despite growing recognition of these health transitions, research has historically neglected the specific needs of this population, leaving a critical gap in tailored interventions and advice. The symposium showcases the recent work of the Leeds Beckett University Peri-and Post-Menopause Research Team, building on interdisciplinary expertise from the Carnegie School of Sport (CSS), the School of Humanities and Social Sciences (HSS), and the Leeds Business School (LBS). This session aims to foster a multidisciplinary dialogue on the intersection of women’s health, physical activity, and workplace experiences during these pivotal life stages.

It is well documented that body-image attitudes in women are in some way influenced by cultural socialisation (e.g., media influence and ideal internalisation), physical characteristics (e.g., weight and shape), and personality attributes (e.g., self-esteem and locus of control). Self-esteem is a fundamental aspect of psychological well-being and a woman’s satisfaction with her weight is likely to form a central facet of her self-esteem. That said, much of the literature has focused on negative body image and there is a distinct lack of research that has considered these variables in a pregnant population. The experience of pregnancy presents a definitive, yet naturally-occurring deviation from a fit and slender bodily ideal during adulthood. Hence, the present study examined factors that were predictive of positive body image in nulliparous pregnant women (N = 181). Participants were represented across all three trimesters with a mean age of 27.7 years (SD = 5.20) and self-reported good to excellent health. Participants completed scales that measured body appreciation (BAS), societal influence on body image (SATAQ – 3), self-esteem (RSES) and a new locus of control measure specific to pregnancy weight gain and exercise (PLOC – WGE). The overall model explained 57.6% of the variance, statistically significant at p < .001. Regressional analyses showed that self-esteem was the strongest predictor of body appreciation, over and above that of general internalisation (SATAQ – IG) and levels of internality (PLOC - I). Findings highlight the importance of nurturing pregnant women’s self-esteem as a means of increasing body confidence through the transition towards motherhood.

Introduction: Head hair forms a central component of the sociocultural male appearance ideal (e.g., mesomorphic, tall, young and not bald) and carries masculine connotations and stigma. Immense pressures to conform to this male appearance ideal gives rise to body dissatisfaction. Previous assessments of body dissatisfaction are too narrow, ignoring dissatisfaction beyond mesomorphy such as baldness dissatisfaction. Our study involved two research questions: (i) Do the facial expressions assigned to images of bald and non-bald men differ? and (ii) What forms of body dissatisfaction, including baldness dissatisfaction, do men have and are these related to men’s wellbeing and muscularity behaviours? Method: Eighty-six male participants aged 18–58 years (mean = 23.62; standard deviation = 7.80) were randomly exposed to 10 images of smiling men (half balding and half not) and were asked to rate the facial expression displayed. Participants also rated their body dissatisfaction and wellbeing. Ethics statement: Institutional ethics approval was granted. Results: We found that participants interpreted the facial expressions of images of bald men slightly more negatively than non-bald men. Most participants reported some form of body dissatisfaction correlated with wellbeing and muscularity enhancing behaviours, albeit weakly. Participants also disclosed a range of body dissatisfaction aspects (including surrounding muscularity, body fat, teeth alignment, skin tone and facial hair amount) though generally were not impacted heavily nor highly dissatisfied. Conclusion: These findings underscore the complex challenge in producing a complete assessment of men’s body dissatisfaction and the general resilience men experience with extant appearance pressures around their bodies and head hair.

Introduction Head hair comprises a critical part of the male appearance ideal, which itself is a crucial signifier of a man’s masculinity. However, difficulties in recruitment have meant that research has not yet fully explored how men construct the loss of head hair (baldness), perhaps because it is considered “feminine” to disclose body dissatisfaction experiences to a researcher or other people. Methods and Design Online forums provide an opportunity for the anonymous discussion of body dissatisfaction that may overcome this obstacle. The first 260 forums posts from the two most popular baldness forums were thematically analysed. Ethics Statement Institutional ethics approval was granted. Results and Discussion We identified three themes titled: (1) Baldness is an ugly and demasculinising condition, (2) Baldness is stigmatised by a superficial society and superficial women and (3) Resistance to baldness despair. Our findings show baldness distress, and stigma exist though so does resistance, which can be comforting to men experiencing baldness or any form of body dissatisfaction. Conclusion and Implications Online forums are a salient resource to enhance our understanding of men’s balding concerns and disclosure barriers. Independent, professional and effective baldness support that unpacks baldness masculinised and medicalised framing is recommended.

The presentation is part of a symposium organised by the BPS community psychology division about how regional branches of the BPS can work with psychologists to engage communities in their research/practice. Purpose: In this paper, we describe the evaluation of a series of annual collaborative public engagement events (Body Image and Eating Disorders Awareness Week), which aim to create awareness of prominent psychological issues and also support the activities of psychological researchers and practitioners. Background: Negative body image and disordered eating are highly prevalent in contemporary society. Body Image and Eating Disorders Awareness Week aimed to highlight these issues and the work of psychologists relevant to them, within the North East area. Methods: Body Image and Eating Disorders Awareness Week activities include workshops, public lectures (including Psychology in the Pub), fundraising, data collection, and community-based outreach activities. Multiple methods have been deployed to evaluate these activities in terms public engagement and impact. Conclusions: The events have succeeded in beginning to challenge unrealistic appearance pressures/ideals and raise awareness about the consequences (e.g., disordered eating) among the local community. This awareness has transformed into impact, and examples of this will be discussed (e.g. school-based interventions).

Background and aims: Internet use in new mothers is common, with increasing numbers of women seeking support online in lieu of consulting health professionals. The current study sought to explore women’s experiences of using online parenting forums to seek advice and support for their maternal mental health. Although benefits of virtual support have previously been highlighted, little research has examined any potential harmful consequences of utilising online forum support for mental health concerns. Methods: New mothers (n=70) completed an online survey as a qualitative account of their motivations for, and experiences of, using online forums. Additionally, mothers were questioned about their experiences of healthcare professional support. Findings: Through reflexive thematic analysis, four themes were generated: (1) The value of shared experiences and empathy; (2) Forum dynamics – a double edged sword; (3) Contextual challenges and opportunities; and (4) Inconsistency of HCP support – the need for an instant solution. Findings emphasised the importance, and effectiveness, of this kind of virtual peer support that forums provide. For many, the responses indicated that forums have a great potential to foster an atmosphere of supportive and helpful feedback, creating a (self-reported) positive impact on postnatal mental health. However, the fact that some women experienced negative feedback led to feelings of motherhood failure on some occasions, and avoidance of posting through fear of negative responses. Conclusion and implications: These findings could inform future decisions made by both parenting website providers and healthcare professionals in making support for mothers more effective and accessible. These may include considerations around the integration of online and offline support services, and the potential increase in trained peer supporters working with mothers.

The literature has focused on women’s use of online support for perinatal mental health. However, research exploring the scope of available well-being services and the views of healthcare professionals (HCPs) who deliver this provision is extremely limited. This study focused on HCPs’ experiences providing online perinatal mental health and well-being support. Based on interviews with eight UK-based HCPs providing various forms of online perinatal mental health and well-being support, reflexive thematic analysis distilled four themes that captured experiences and perceptions of online provision: 1) New ways of working bring new opportunities; 2) Obstacles and areas for development; 3) Bridging the gap— formal and informal peer support; and 4) Too little too late: lack of mental health education in antenatal services. HCPs indicated that blended ways of working (online and face-to-face) were valuable within their services. Findings emphasize the need for online support services to be available to new and expectant mothers who may not require an HCP referral. The versatility, convenience, and accessibility of online resources bridge the gap between face-to-face services and a viable economic and effective form of mental health provision. Keywords: postpartum, mental health, health professionals, online support

Objectives: Developing increased understanding of the specificities of young men’s body image-related experiences has been noted as a priority. While previous research has pointed to barriers to gaining authentic insight in this area, recent developments have indicated that providing explicit justification and validation for male discussion may offer increased willingness for engagement. The aim of this study was to explore young men’s personal accounts surrounding this topic; addressing the broad research question: ‘What do young men say about body image and appearance related issues?’. Design: Individual semi-structured interviews were conducted with young men (N=13) aged 16-39 (M=27). Interviews centred on recent research evidence highlighting potential issues for men in relation to body image and appearance, as well as participant’s individual experiences; generating rich, qualitative data. Methods: Underpinned by a critical realist framework, data were analysed using discursively-informed thematic analysis. Results: Findings show that young men were happy to critically engage with the topic in this context, largely adopting a position of emancipatory agent. Analysis indicated that body dissatisfaction was considered both normative and problematic; requiring increased public debate. In addition, analysis highlighted the multiplicity of young men’s body-related concerns, including social expectations related to physicality, and perception of individual control. Furthermore, competing social discourses of masculinity currently available to young men were suggested to have increased body related discussion, whilst continuing to inhibit a genuine dialogue. Conclusions: Notably, the findings emphasise the role of masculinity in, and the specificity of, body image and appearance-related issues for young men.

Government agendas have highlighted the requirement for rapid investigation into the body image related experiences of young men, yet a suggested feminisation of body and appearance related topics, and a tendency for non-disclosure, continue to present obstacles to achieving this. However, previous research has indicated that online, anonymous contexts may present useful environments for circumnavigating these barriers. Thus, the aim of this study was to explore young men’s accounts in relation to body image and appearance related issues, using an anonymous online survey. Young men (N=114) ages 16-39 (M=26) took part in a qualitative survey comprising of eight open ended questions, and data were analysed using discursively-informed thematic analysis. Results indicated that the young men welcomed the opportunity to critically engage with the topic and disclose personal body ‘worries’; also revealing that in everyday contexts, discussion is habitually inhibited by social ideals of masculinity. In addition, whilst dominant body ideals were identified as largely unobtainable, they remained significant for physical self-appraisals, and a goal to aspire to. Results are discussed in relation to the potential health implications of negotiating competing discourses, as well as the requirement for increased male specific educational resources which challenge prevailing masculine discourses.

Associated with numerous adverse health outcomes, body dissatisfaction in young men requires close examination. This study explores online accounts relating to male body image, including young men’s personal disclosures within one online newspaper article, and posts responding to this topic. Discursively informed thematic analysis indicated that non-disclosure was considered a problematic social expectation by the young men featured in the article. Also, reader posts variously constructed body dissatisfaction as a symptom of adolescence, a lack of self-care and an incapacity to capitalise on compensatory qualities. Our analysis suggests young men may welcome safe opportunities to critically discuss prevailing body image ideals.

The perinatal period can be challenging and yet reluctance to disclose wellbeing concerns to health professionals is well documented. The current study sought to explore how women use online parenting forums to seek advice and support for maternal mental health concerns. Forum threads (n = 153) from a popular UK parenting website were analysed to explore postpartum mothers’ discussions about their maternal mental health. Through reflexive thematic analysis, four themes were generated: (1) Navigating the motherhood role: unprepared and overwhelmed; (2) ‘I’m struggling, but looking on here I know I’m no way alone!’; (3) Challenging feelings of failure: ‘it doesn’t make you a bad mother’; and (4) Forums facilitate help seeking. There were two main findings; first, forums may act as a potential solution to providing a supportive, reassuring community and safe space for disclosure around maternal mental health concerns. Furthermore, forums are beneficial in providing women with an honest, realistic view and expectation of motherhood, thus supporting their transition to parenthood. Consequently, forums could be utilised to inform training for healthcare professionals to understand disclosure barriers.