Abstract

Research on body image commonly focuses on the negative aspects of the construct, and the majority of findings related to body image in general arise from quantitative methods of investigation. Furthermore, little is known about the experiences lesbian women go through as they come out, and what consequence this has on their body image. In this study we examined the experiences of 12 lesbian women and explored how coming out affected their body image. Data were collected via face-to-face interviews and analyzed using thematic analysis. Participants’ ages ranged from 20 to 33 (M = 25). The analysis revealed that all participants reported experiencing improved body image after coming out. Other changes related to the presentation of sexual identity in terms of how they dressed, i.e., presenting as either more masculine or feminine. Most participants reported feeling that the sexual and gender minority community was more accepting of different body shapes and sizes compared to the heteronormative society in which they resided. Negative feelings and experiences related to family situations, and occasionally from within themselves. The results are important in understanding how gender and sexual orientation are intertwined to create a distinct experience of body image in lesbian women, and also to illustrate the heterogeneity of body image within subgroups of women.

摘要

对身体意象的研究通常集中在构念的消极方面，与身体意象相关的大多数发现通常来自定量调查方法。此外，人们对女同性恋出柜时的经历以及这对她们的身体形象有何影响知之甚少。在这项研究中，我们检查了 12 位女同性恋者的经历，并探讨了出柜如何影响她们的身体形象。通过面对面访谈收集数据并使用主题分析进行分析。参与者的年龄范围从 20 到 33 ( M = 25）。分析显示，所有参与者都报告说出来后身体形象有所改善。其他变化与性身份的表现有关，他们的着装方式，即表现得更加男性化或女性化。大多数参与者报告说，与他们居住的异性恋社会相比，性少数群体和性别少数群体更能接受不同的体型和体型。与家庭情况有关的负面感受和经历，偶尔也来自他们自身。结果对于理解性别和性取向如何交织在一起以在女同性恋女性中创造独特的身体形象体验以​​及说明女性亚群内身体形象的异质性非常重要。