'My body isn't perfect, and I get quite anxious': a qualitative exploration of body image dissatisfaction among Chinese female undergraduates.

Abstract

Body image dissatisfaction (BID) is relatively common in Chinese female undergraduates. This study aims to explore the reasons for BID among female undergraduates to develop effective early intervention strategies. A qualitative research approach was used through semi-structured interviews, allowing for an in-depth understanding of the experiences of participants. The study was conducted from April 2024 to November 2024 at Yibin University in Sichuan province, China. The study involved 25 female undergraduates with an average age of 19.8±1.3 years. These participants were selected to provide rich qualitative data about their experiences and views regarding BID. The participants showed a high level of BID, and the thematic analysis revealed five overarching themes regarding the causes of BID among female undergraduates: (1) individual factors; (2) media factors; (3) family factors; (4) peer factors; and (5) overall societal impact. The thematic analysis revealed that dissatisfaction with body image among female undergraduates is a multidimensional issue influenced by various factors, including individual and sociocultural elements. The conclusion emphasises the necessity of strengthening comprehensive intervention measures to address these influencing factors.