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

Abstract

The study was conducted as a preliminary inves ga on regarding body image dissa sfac on (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 Na ve popula on. The research was comprised of qualita ve interviewing methods. Interviews were conducted with Alaska Na ve female par cipants between the ages of 18 and 23 years who were a ending the University of Alaska Fairbanks. Research ques ons addressed whether or not Indigenous Alaska Na ve females experience BID, and if so how BID develops and manifests for this popula on. The study found that all par cipants experienced BID as young adults. The manifesta on of BID varied on an individual basis, as seen in other research fi ndings. Par cipants provided sugges ons for working with Indigenous Alaskan females in regards to BID.