¾Ã¾ÃÎçÒ¹ÐßÐßÓ°ÔºÃâ·Ñ¹Û¿´

Doctoral Dissertation Defense
of
Sarah Korzan

For the degree of

Doctor of Philosophy
Health Education and Promotion

Influences on Body Image Among Transgender Individuals at ¾Ã¾ÃÎçÒ¹ÐßÐßÓ°ÔºÃâ·Ñ¹Û¿´

June 26, 2025
1:00 p.m.
Nixson Hall Conference Room

Influences on Body Image Among Transgender Individuals at ¾Ã¾ÃÎçÒ¹ÐßÐßÓ°ÔºÃâ·Ñ¹Û¿´

The purpose of this qualitative dissertation was to explore influences on body image perceptions among transgender students at ¾Ã¾ÃÎçÒ¹ÐßÐßÓ°ÔºÃâ·Ñ¹Û¿´. It utilized tenants of the Objectification Theory and the Health Belief Model as previous research had suggested utilizing these theories to explore the concept of body image. Participants completed two semi-structured interviews and two surveys that included demographic information and the Eating Attitudes Test, (EAT26), a standardized tool that measures eating disorder risk. Their EAT-26 score was used to provide context for participants’ perception of their risk for eating disorder and body image risk. A focus group also was utilized after completing all interviews to verify the themes. 

The findings revealed four interconnected themes that were: 1) Relationships and reactions with trusted individuals were essential in expressing oneself, 2) Autonomy was important to expressing their gender identity, 3) Objectification impacted internal and external body talk, and 4) Participants perceptions of risk for eating disorder differed from EAT-26 scores. These findings highlighted the necessity of social support and autonomy in shaping the participants’ body image and gender identity. Participants who had affirming relationships reported greater self-acceptance, whereas those who faced objectification and judgment struggled with internalized negativity. Additionally, the study underscored the persistent social pressures that shape transgender individuals' perceptions of their own bodies that often reinforce binary gender norm.