“Story of My Body – Lifelong Body Image Narratives Among Eastern European Females in Their 30s”

This research examines the lifelong body image (BI) experiences of Eastern European (EE) women in their 30s who have relocated to London. Despite significant attention to BI issues, there is a notable gap in the literature regarding the experiences of women in their 30s, particularly those from Eastern Europe. When these women move to the UK, their BI experiences are further complicated. Navigating a cultural shift from the patriarchal and uniform beauty ideals of Eastern Europe to the individualistic and competitive standards of Western Europe, they also contend with the biological and social changes typical of this life stage. The research delves into how these transitions shape their BI and identity, shedding light on the dual and often conflicting beauty norms they encounter.

The research involves five EE women who moved to London at least four years ago and after the age of 17, allowing them to adapt to the UK environment while having internalised their EE cultural backgrounds. Through semi-structured interviews, the study collected rich data that were then transcribed and analysed using Dialogic/Performance Narrative Analysis (DPNA) from a social constructionist perspective, examining the participants' BI narratives. Participants also presented up to five personal photographs to aid storytelling. The analysis focused on thematic content, structural elements, and personal positioning within the narratives, along with multivoicedness (various factors/voices that have shaped their BI throughout their lives).

Each narrative was explored individually, revealing how participants’ BI identities are influenced by a combination of internal and external factors. Key themes included expressions of BI throughout their lives, from adolescence to middle adulthood, the navigation of contradictions and dualities stemming from internalised BI standards, and the evolution of BI through adaptation to a new culture. Reflexivity, essential to DPNA approach, was consistently integrated throughout the study.

This study highlights the complexity of BI by revealing the interplay between inherited cultural values shaped by patriarchy and newly acquired norms of Western freedom, often leading to contradictory perceptions. It emphasises the evolving nature of BI, influenced by personal experiences and cultural shifts. The findings enhance the understanding of BI construction among EE women as they navigate life changes.

The research demonstrates that BI is dynamic, shaped by diverse societal and cultural dialogues, and consists of multiple truths. Methodologically, it reinforces the value of narrative analysis and photographic methods in exploring BI and identity issues. The study presents insights for Counselling Psychology (CoP) and clinical practice, advocating for culturally sensitive therapies that incorporate narrative analysis (NA) and DPNA elements to effectively address BI challenges.