Abstract

Body image dissatisfaction among women is pervasive and associated with increased risk for maladaptive eating practices, poor self-concept, depression and psychological distress (Polivy & Herman, 2002; Wiederman & Pryor, 2000). Although the prevalence of dissatisfaction with body image is high among women (APA, 2000; Kruger, Lee, Ainsworth, & Macera, 2008), few studies to date have conducted an in-depth investigation of interpersonal protective factors affecting body image dissatisfaction. This study examines mindfulness, empowerment and feminist identity development as factors to protect women across the life span from developing body image dissatisfaction.