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THE INFLUENCE OF PEER RELATIONSHIPS ON WOMEN'S LIVED BODY EXPERIENCES ... PDF

437 Pages·2013·3.96 MB·English
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THE INFLUENCE OF PEER RELATIONSHIPS ON WOMEN’S LIVED BODY EXPERIENCES ACROSS THE LIFESPAN by Nina M. Mafrici A thesis submitted in conformity with the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy Graduate Department of Applied Psychology and Human Development Ontario Institute for the Studies in Education University of Toronto ©Copyright by Nina M. Mafrici 2013 THE INFLUENCE OF PEER RELATIONSHIPS ON WOMEN’S LIVED BODY EXPERIENCES ACROSS THE LIFESPAN Doctor of Philosophy 2013 Nina M. Mafrici Department of Applied Psychology and Human Development University of Toronto ABSTRACT The purpose of this study was to explore the role of peers in women’s lived experiences in their bodies from childhood to young adulthood. The present study used a qualitative life history methodology to delineate the range of peer processes, both adverse and protective, that affect women’s connection to their bodies over time, as well as the meaning women make of these processes, and their internalized reactions to peer influences across a developmental trajectory. In-depth interviews were conducted among fourteen women between the ages of 25 and 35, representing diverse social and cultural backgrounds, as well as current and past eating and body image problems. Women participated in open-ended interviews, using a series of guided questions about their experiences with peers that affected their lived experiences in their bodies, from childhood through to adulthood. Interviews were transcribed and analyzed for themes using a grounded theory methodology. Two interrelated models emerged from the data that clarified ways in which relationships with peers shaped interviewed women’s lived experiences in their bodies over time. The Peer Processes Related to Dominant and Alternative Norms, Ideals and Expectations Model addresses peer processes related to the promotion of dominant and alternative norms, ideals and expectations regarding appearance and ways of inhabiting the body as girls and women. The Implications of Peer Processes on Social Power and Acceptance model delineates the ways in which widely sanctioned norms, ideals and expectations pertaining to participants’ bodies and ii appearances, are expressed and internalized through concerns for peer status, power, belonging and acceptance. The research has both clinical and research implications, shedding important light on the ways in which peers enhance, maintain and disrupt girls’ and women’s connection to their bodies over time. iii ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS I am grateful to many people, who throughout this journey have provided me with much support and encouragement along the way. Firstly, I would like to extend my deepest gratitude to my supervisor, Dr. Niva Piran. Your passion for, and commitment to the advancement of women’s mental health, and feminist research have been a strong source of inspiration for me. Your unwavering support, mentoring and guidance has fuelled my passion for research, instilled a sense of curiosity in the world, and fostered my ability to think critically as a researcher, clinician, and most importantly, as a woman. You have encouraged me to challenge myself in ways that I never thought possible, and I am honoured to have had the privilege to work closely with you over the past several years. You have shaped me into the person that I am today, and I am forever grateful. Thank you also to my friends and family who have helped me to stay focused on my goal of completing this dissertation, offering their insights, and celebrating in my accomplishments along the way. I am particularly grateful to my father, Antonio, my mother-in-law, Donna, and my husband, Paul, who have spent countless hours as a soundboard for my ideas, listened to my frustrations, and provided comforting and encouraging words when I needed it most. Paul, I especially appreciate your patience and understanding throughout this process, your excitement for this project, and your unwavering belief in me. This would not have been possible without you by my side. To my colleague and friend, Michele, few words can adequately describe how much your support has meant to me. Whenever I felt lost, frustrated, and confused, you have been there to listen, encourage and guide me to stay focused on my goals. You have celebrated with me in the highs and motivated me in the lows, and I am so fortunate to call you one of my dearest friends. iv To my committee members, Dr. Karin Jasper and Dr. Abby Goldstein, thank you for your insightful and thought-provoking feedback on my work, as well as your enthusiasm for the project, and consistent support and encouragement. Thank you also to Dr. Gail McVey and to my external examiner, Dr. Jennifer Mills. I am truly honoured to have such incredible researchers and clinicians on my committee. And last but not least, I would like to thank the fourteen wonderful women who shared their time and their personal stories with me as part of this research study. You have inspired me to think of peer relationships and their connection to our bodies in new and exciting ways. I greatly value your interest and commitment to the project, which without you, would not have been possible. v TABLE OF CONTENTS ABSTRACT ...................................................................................................................... ii ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS .............................................................................................. iv LIST OF FIGURES .......................................................................................................... xi LIST OF APPENDICES ................................................................................................... xiv DEDICATION .................................................................................................................. xv INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................ 1 Chapter One LITERATURE REVIEW ................................................................................................. 4 Sociocultural Influences ............................................................................................ 4 Internalization of the Objectifying Gaze and the Transmission of Gender-Based Discourses................................................................................. 5 Familial Factors ................................................................................................ 7 Peer Relationships in a Developmental Context........................................................ 8 The Construction of the Self ............................................................................. 8 Symbolic Interactionists and Internalization of the Self ................................... 9 The Developing Self ............................................................................. 10 Childhood ...................................................................................... 10 Adolescence ................................................................................... 12 Implications of Puberty ................................................................. 16 Late Adolescence to Young Adulthood ........................................ 17 Peer Interactions Across the Lifespan .............................................................. 18 The Organization of Peer Experiences ................................................. 19 Interactions .................................................................................... 19 Relationships and Friendships ....................................................... 20 Groups ........................................................................................... 21 The Influence of Ecological Systems Theory ............................... 21 Early Childhood .................................................................................... 22 Middle Childhood to Adolescence ....................................................... 23 Adulthood ............................................................................................. 25 Peers in Connection to the Body................................................................................ 28 Quantitative Literature ..................................................................................... 29 The Internalization and Adoption of Appearance Norms Across Childhood, Adolescence and Adulthood .............................................. 30 Appearance Conversations and Appearance-related Pressure ...... 31 Perceived Importance of Appearance to Peers .............................. 35 Appearance-based Acceptance ...................................................... 38 vi Appearance Comparisons .............................................................. 39 Appearance-related Victimization ................................................ 41 Other Relational Constructs .......................................................... 44 Qualitative Literature ....................................................................................... 46 ‘The Teen Lifestyle Project’ ................................................................. 46 Weight Watching Among Adolescent Girls ......................................... 49 ‘Girlfighting’ and Body-based Harassment .......................................... 51 Girls’ Agency and the Discourse of Individuality ................................ 53 A Prospective Investigation of Girls’ Lived Body Experiences .......... 54 Women’s Recount of their Relational Experiences During Adolescence .......................................................................................... 56 Critical Social Perspective ......................................................................................... 59 Body Image Discourse ..................................................................................... 59 Towards the Developmental Theory of Embodiment ...................................... 60 The Importance of Social Location .................................................................. 65 Rationale for the Present Study ................................................................................. 66 Chapter Two METHODOLOGY ........................................................................................................... 68 Qualitative Research .................................................................................................. 68 Data Collection ................................................................................................. 69 Data Analysis .................................................................................................... 69 Life History Approach ............................................................................................... 70 Situating Oneself as the Researcher........................................................................... 72 Data Collection .......................................................................................................... 73 Selection and Recruitment of Participants ........................................................ 73 Interview Process .............................................................................................. 75 Summary of Participants .................................................................................. 76 Data Analysis ............................................................................................................. 88 Chapter Three PEER PROCESSES RELATED TO THE IDEAL BODY APPEARANCE ................... 92 Peer Processes Promoting the Ideal Body Appearance ............................................. 93 Social Comparison ........................................................................................... 93 Differences in Body Size and Shape .................................................... 94 Pubertal Changes .................................................................................. 106 Ethnocultural Differences and Cultural Transitions ............................. 109 Summary ............................................................................................... 115 Evaluative Messages and Appearance-based Conversations ........................... 117 Messages that Socially Reward ............................................................ 119 Disapproving and/or Critical Messages ................................................ 122 Diet and Appearance Talk ............................................................. 123 Appearance-based Teasing and Harassment ................................. 126 Body Size and Shape............................................................ 127 Ethnocultural Differences .................................................... 131 Summary ............................................................................................... 132 vii Peer Processes Challenging the Ideal Body Appearance ........................................... 134 Promoting Alternative Body Norms................................................................. 134 Diversity in Appearances...................................................................... 135 Expressions of Body Comfort .............................................................. 139 Shaping Life Experiences .................................................................... 140 Summary ............................................................................................... 143 Messages that Challenge and Resist Preoccupation with the Ideal .................. 144 Supportive Messages ............................................................................ 145 Active Resistance to Negative Messages ............................................. 147 Summary ............................................................................................... 148 Overall Summary of Peer Processes Related to Norms, Ideals and Expectations Pertaining to the Female Body Appearance .............................................................. 148 Chapter Four PEER PROCESSES RELATED TO IDEALIZED WAYS OF INHABITING THE BODY AS A GIRL AND WOMAN ....................................................................... 152 Food and Eating ......................................................................................................... 152 Promoting Adherence to Norms and Ideals Associated with Food and Eating................................................................................................................ 153 The Pursuit of Thinness ........................................................................ 153 Peer Dieting ................................................................................... 154 Pressures for Thinness ................................................................... 157 Ideals of Health and Wellness .............................................................. 162 Dichotomy of Healthy vs. Unhealthy Eating ................................ 162 Upholding the Healthy Ideal ......................................................... 165 Summary ............................................................................................... 167 Challenging Adherence to Norms and Ideals Associated with Food and Eating................................................................................................................ 169 Modeling Comfort in Appetite ............................................................. 170 Enjoying and Appreciating Food .......................................................... 173 Summary ............................................................................................... 175 Sexuality .................................................................................................................... 176 Promoting Adherence to Norms and Ideals Associated with Sexuality ........... 176 Male Evaluative Gaze ........................................................................... 177 Sexual Harassment ............................................................................... 179 Summary ............................................................................................... 188 Challenging Adherence to Norms and Ideals Associated with Sexuality ........ 189 Freedom from the Male Gaze and Pressures Associated with Sexuality ......... 190 Absence of the Male Evaluative Gaze .................................................. 190 Relationships that Challenge Pressures Associated with Sexuality ..... 191 Summary ............................................................................................... 194 Activities, Interests and/or Educational Pursuits ....................................................... 194 Promoting Norms and Ideals Associated with Engagement in Activities, Interests and/or Educational Pursuits ............................................................... 195 Gender Segregation .............................................................................. 196 Passivity ................................................................................................ 199 viii Activity for Weight Control ................................................................. 204 Summary ............................................................................................... 206 Challenging Norms and Ideals Associated with Engagement in Activities, Interests and/or Educational Pursuits ............................................................... 208 Physical Immersion .............................................................................. 209 Passion .................................................................................................. 213 Ambition ............................................................................................... 215 Summary ............................................................................................... 218 Overall Summary of Peer Processes Related to Idealized Ways of Inhabiting the Body as Girl and Woman........................................................................................... 220 Chapter Five IMPLICATIONS OF PEER PROCESSES ON SOCIAL POWER AND ACCEPTANCE ................................................................................................................ 227 Promoting Pressures of Peer Conformity and Compliance ....................................... 227 Internalization of Social Inequity and/or Privilege .......................................... 228 Body Size and Shape ............................................................................ 229 Sexuality and Desirability .................................................................... 234 Clothing ................................................................................................ 237 Ethnocultural Differences ..................................................................... 244 Relational Connections ......................................................................... 249 Summary ............................................................................................... 252 Consequences of Social Disempowerment and Peer Rejection ....................... 254 Controlling the Body ............................................................................ 255 Dressing to ‘Fit In’ ............................................................................... 261 Pressures of Cultural Assimilation ....................................................... 264 Summary ............................................................................................... 268 Resisting Pressures of Peer Conformity and Compliance ......................................... 270 Group Protective Factors .................................................................................. 270 Accepting, Nonjudgmental Peer Groups .............................................. 271 Alternative Group Norms ..................................................................... 273 Summary ............................................................................................... 278 Individual Protective Factors............................................................................ 279 Agency .................................................................................................. 279 Clarity and Locating Oneself in Relation to Peer Group...................... 284 Summary ............................................................................................... 289 Overall Summary of the Implications of Peer Processes on Social Power and Acceptance ................................................................................................................. 290 Chapter Six DISCUSSION ................................................................................................................... 293 Model 1: Peer Processes Related to Dominant and Alternative Norms, Ideals and Expectations Regarding Body Appearance and Idealized ways of Inhabiting the Body as Girls and Women ......................................................................................... 294 Peer Processes Related to the Ideal Body Appearance .............................................. 295 Peer Processes Promoting the Ideal Body Appearance ........................................ 295 ix Social Comparison ................................................................................ 295 Evaluative Messages and Appearance-based Conversations ............... 307 Peer Processes Challenging the Ideal Body Appearance ...................................... 315 Promoting Alternative Body Norms ..................................................... 315 Messages that Challenge and Resist Preoccupation with the Ideal ...... 318 Peer Processes Related to Idealized Ways of Inhabiting the Body as Girl and Woman ....................................................................................................................... 319 Food and Eating .................................................................................................... 319 Promoting Adherence to Norms and Ideals Associated with Food and Eating .................................................................................................... 319 Challenging Adherence to Norms and Ideals Associated with Food and Eating ............................................................................................. 328 Sexuality ............................................................................................................... 330 Promoting Adherence to Norms and Ideals Associated with Sexuality ................................................................................................... 330 Challenging Adherence to Norms and Ideals Associated with Sexuality ................................................................................................... 337 Activities Interests and/or Educational Pursuits ................................................... 338 Promoting Norms and Ideals Associated with Engagement in Activities, Interests and Educational Pursuits ............................................................ 339 Challenging Norms and Ideals Associated with Engagement in Activities, Interests and/or Educational Pursuits ........................................................ 345 Model 2: The Implications of Peer Processes on Social Power and Acceptance ...... 347 Promoting Pressures of Peer Conformity and Compliance ....................................... 348 Internalization of Social Inequity and/or Privilege .............................................. 348 Consequences of Social Disempowerment and Peer Rejection ............................ 355 Resisting Peer Conformity and Compliance .............................................................. 360 Group Protective Factors ...................................................................................... 360 Accepting, Nonjudgmental Peer Groups ................................................... 360 Alternative Group Norms .......................................................................... 362 Individual Protective Factors ................................................................................ 364 Agency ..................................................................................................... 365 Clarity and Locating Oneself in Relation to the Peer Group .................... 365 Strengths and Limitations of the Current Investigation ............................................. 366 Strengths ............................................................................................................... 366 Limitations ............................................................................................................ 368 Areas for Future Research ......................................................................................... 369 Preventative and Clinical Implications ...................................................................... 373 References ......................................................................................................................... 378 x

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