Body Image Dissatisfaction (BID) from an Indigenous Alaska Native Female Perspective (A Pilot Study)

Abstract

The study was conducted as a preliminary investigation regarding body image dissatisfaction (BID) in Indigenous females living in Alaska. As BID has been a notable area of concern for European American females, and a growing concern for several other cultural groups in North America, it is important to determine whether BID is a concern for the Alaska Native population. The research was comprised of qualitative interviewing methods. Interviews were conducted with Alaska Native female participants between the ages of 18 and 23 years who were attending the University of Alaska Fairbanks. Research questions addressed whether or not Indigenous Alaska Native females experience BID, and if so how BID develops and manifests for this population. The study found that all participants experienced BID as young adults. The manifestation of BID varied on an individual basis, as seen in other research findings. Participants provided suggestions for working with Indigenous Alaskan females in regards to BID.