How satisfied are people in Turkey with their bodies?

Gül Demirci 13 September 2023

149 2 minutes read

How satisfied are people in Turkey with their bodies?

A new global study on body positivity, the largest of its kind, has revealed how people’s attitudes towards their own bodies and perceptions of beauty are changing around the world. The study of 65 countries showed that people in stable relationships and those living in rural areas are more satisfied with themselves. So, how satisfied are people living in Turkey with their bodies?

Body Appreciation Around the World: Measurement Invariance of the Body Appreciation Around the World: Measurement Invariance of the Body Appreciation by Anglia Ruskin University examined attitudes towards “body appreciation” in 65 countries.

Malta was found to be the most body-confident country in the world, while Australians were the least body-confident nation.

WHAT FACTORS INFLUENCE BODY AFFIRMATION?

Professor Viren Swami, lead author of the study, said that there are several factors that can predetermine how comfortable participants feel in their own bodies. Swami emphasized that how urban the environment people live in and even the language they speak have a huge impact on positive body attitudes.

On the other hand, body positivity was higher among those in a stable relationship and those living in rural communities compared to single participants.

“PEOPLE LIVING IN URBAN AREAS FEEL MORE PRESSURE”

“People living in urban areas may feel stronger pressure to conform to body ideals promoted by Western society,” Swami said, noting that not only the country where people live, but also where they live is closely related to body positivity.

The study also found that people who live in a rural community feel more comfortable in their own skin color and body structure.

Swami said it was one of the most in-depth studies of its kind, led by researchers from Anglia Ruskin University, who collected data from more than 250 scientists worldwide.

On the other hand, positive self-image was linked to positive well-being traits such as improved self-esteem and healthy eating habits. Low levels of “body appreciation” were associated with anxiety and depression.

“Our finding that greater body appreciation is associated with better psychological well-being highlights the importance of developing ways to promote more positive body image globally,” Swarma said.