The African American Womans Experience Of Body Image

[Abstract] The purpose of my thesis is to address the question "What is the African-American woman's experience of body image?" It is a study done heuristically. The study is designed to explore personal experiences of body images as viewed by African-American women. This question derived from my own personal experience and it also used the experiences of eight other African-American women. All of the women are different ages, shapes, sizes, and complexions. An overview of literature included books, journals, and other theses enhanced my research. The themes that emerged from this study produced a deeper understanding of personal knowledge. These themes include gaining awareness of one's own body image, relating body image to one's individual and cultural self, and understanding the awareness of one's own body image. The basis of this research is also significant because the results have implications for further study. Not only can this study be related to African-American women, it can be applied to women of any background. We live in a world where images are inescapable. For many women, accepting their images are inescapablr. For many women, accepting their image is a key component in accepting themselves. This study is also ideal for aiding young girls to gain knowledge and understanding concerning their own body image experience. Shedding light on this phenomenon, could promote a smoother transition from adolescence to young adulthood. This information can also enable therapists to more actively and effectively work with clients. Because body images issues work effectively with a more diverse body of clientele. This study is uniquely important because it describes a full body experience as it solely relates to African-American women. It is my desire that African-American women will celebrate their individual differences by acknowledging and accepting them as their own.