Handbook of Diversity in Body Image
- 1st Edition - December 1, 2025
- Latest edition
- Editors: Viren Swami, Tracy L. Tylka
- Language: English
Handbook of Diversity in Body Image offers a groundbreaking perspective that moves beyond conventional body image discussions. This volume explores how body image is shaped and ex… Read more
Handbook of Diversity in Body Image offers a groundbreaking perspective that moves beyond conventional body image discussions. This volume explores how body image is shaped and experienced across different cultures, tracing the development of research and practical approaches from historical viewpoints to contemporary understandings. By examining diverse cultural contexts and integrating voices that have often been overlooked, the book fosters a more inclusive, nuanced comprehension of body image. Its approach encourages readers to recognize the complexities and varied influences that contribute to individual and collective perceptions of bodies around the world.
In addition to its global scope, the book provides thorough analyses of body image issues in specific populations, including racialized minority groups, LGBTQ+ communities, men, those experiencing food insecurity, and individuals from various religious backgrounds. Each chapter underscores the crucial role of intersectionality, highlighting how overlapping identities affect body image experiences.
In addition to its global scope, the book provides thorough analyses of body image issues in specific populations, including racialized minority groups, LGBTQ+ communities, men, those experiencing food insecurity, and individuals from various religious backgrounds. Each chapter underscores the crucial role of intersectionality, highlighting how overlapping identities affect body image experiences.
- Reviews the historical landscape of body image research and practice
- Explores how individual identity intersects with societal expectations
- Highlights the importance of understanding and embracing diversity in body image practice
researchers and practitioners of body image; students in health, social, clinical, and counseling psychology courses and programs
Section 1: Introduction
1. Body image research and practice: Where we were and where we are now
Section 2: Diversities in Culture and Geography
2. Body image in East Asia
3. Body image in South and Southeast Asia
4. Body image in South America and the Caribbean
5. Body image in Sub-Saharan Africa
6. Body image in the Middle East and North Africa
7. Body image in Eastern Europe and Central Asia
Section 3: Diversities in Social Identity
8. Body image in racialized minority groups
9. Body image in minoritized sexual identities
10. Body image in minoritized gender identities
11. Body image in men
12. Body image in the food insecure
Section 4: Diversities in Life Experiences
13. Body image in religious diversities
14. Body image in childhood and adolescence
15. Body image in older individuals
16. Body image in people with visible differences
17. Body image in people with disabilities
18. Body image and illness
19. Body image in neurodiverse communities
20. Body image in larger-bodied individuals
Section 5: Diversities in Body Image Practice
21. Understanding diversity in body image practice
22. The importance of intersectionality in body image research and practice
Section 6: Conclusion
23. Body image research and practice: Where we go from here
1. Body image research and practice: Where we were and where we are now
Section 2: Diversities in Culture and Geography
2. Body image in East Asia
3. Body image in South and Southeast Asia
4. Body image in South America and the Caribbean
5. Body image in Sub-Saharan Africa
6. Body image in the Middle East and North Africa
7. Body image in Eastern Europe and Central Asia
Section 3: Diversities in Social Identity
8. Body image in racialized minority groups
9. Body image in minoritized sexual identities
10. Body image in minoritized gender identities
11. Body image in men
12. Body image in the food insecure
Section 4: Diversities in Life Experiences
13. Body image in religious diversities
14. Body image in childhood and adolescence
15. Body image in older individuals
16. Body image in people with visible differences
17. Body image in people with disabilities
18. Body image and illness
19. Body image in neurodiverse communities
20. Body image in larger-bodied individuals
Section 5: Diversities in Body Image Practice
21. Understanding diversity in body image practice
22. The importance of intersectionality in body image research and practice
Section 6: Conclusion
23. Body image research and practice: Where we go from here
- Edition: 1
- Latest edition
- Published: December 1, 2025
- Language: English
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Viren Swami
Viren Swami is Professor of Social Psychology at Anglia Ruskin University, where he is co-Director of the Centre for Groups and Societies, and Adjunct Professor at Perdana University, where he is Director of the Centre for Psychological Medicine. His research is focused on body image, mental health, and the benefits of being in nature. He is ranked in the top 2% of the most-cited scientists in the world and is the author of over three hundred academic papers and three books, including Attraction Explained (now in its second edition) and The Psychology of Physical Attraction.
Affiliations and expertise
Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge, UKTT
Tracy L. Tylka
Tracy Tylka is a Professor of Counseling Psychology at the Ohio State University. She is Editor-in-Chief of Body Image: An International Journal of Research. Her research focuses on body image and eating behavior, with a particular emphasis on positive body image, intuitive eating, and psychometric instrument development. She is ranked in the top 2% of most-cited scientists in the world and is the author of over a hundred academic papers and five books, including Handbook of Positive Body Image and Embodiment: Constructs, Protective Factors, and Interventions and Positive Body Image Workbook: A Clinical and Self-Improvement Guide.
Affiliations and expertise
Ohio State University, Marion, OH, USA