Author(s): Joe Harry*
This article, titled "Self-Compassion Unveiled: Stories of Positive Body Image Transformation," explores the transformative narratives of individuals who have experienced a profound shift in their perceptions of their bodies through the practice of self-compassion. Grounded in the principles of mindfulness and self-kindness, self-compassion offers a unique perspective that challenges societal beauty standards and fosters a positive relationship with one's body. Through in-depth interviews and qualitative analysis, this abstract highlights the journey from self-criticism to self-love, emphasizing the empowering effects of self-compassion in reshaping body image narratives. The stories shared herein illustrate the profound impact of self-compassion on breaking free from societal expectations, fostering self-acceptance, and inspiring a ripple effect of positivity and advocacy for body positivity. This exploration contributes to the growing body of literature on the intersection of self-compassion and positive body image, offering insights that may inspire others on their own journeys towards self-acceptance and body positivity. Additionally, the participants expressed important increases in mindfulness as well as decreases in social influences, feelings of separation, negative health behaviors, and attention to media messages. Decreases were found in their expressions of body functionality, love and kindness toward their body, and internal locus of control. These findings suggest pathways through which self-compassion may improve women’s body image by increasing mindfulness and decreasing the negative ways of relating to one’s body, specifically in the areas of media, clothing, make-up, and negative social interactions.
The Journal of International Social Research received 8982 citations as per Google Scholar report
