#Bodypositivity : mídia, ativismo feminista e promoção da imagem corporal positiva

Abstract

Body Positivity (BoPo), beyond a media phenomenon, is a political movement advocating for the acceptance of non-standard bodies. This dissertation aims to understand the precursors to BoPo media consumption and its association with Positive Body Image (PBI) among Brazilian youth, using the General Learning Model (GLM) as a framework. To achieve this, the theoretical chapter presents the historical and methodological trajectory of the GLM, as well as recent studies on BoPo media. Study 1, through a scoping review, highlights the positive potential of different categories of BoPo media when framed favorably, in contrast to media that endorse the thin or fitness ideal. Additionally, protective factors such as digital literacy and self-compassion are discussed, along with risk factors such as sociocultural attitudes toward appearance, social comparison, objectification, and sexualization in the media. However, none of the reviewed studies explored the movement from a political perspective. Study 2 provided evidence of validity and reliability for the first measure of feminist self-identification in the Brazilian context. It highlights the variation of this measure between female and male genders, likely due to the historical predominance of women in the feminist movement, whereas male support is a relatively recent discussion. This study also enabled an analysis of its association with PBI. Study 3 tested a model for understanding positive body image mediated by BoPo media, revealing indirect effects of Feminist Self-Identification. These findings indicate that feminist self-identification can influence Body Appreciation through its impact on favorable attitudes toward BoPo. However, the indirect effects of Self-Acceptance and Autonomy were only marginally significant. Notably, individuals with stronger feminist self-identification reported lower levels of associated psychological well-being. The model highlights the role of BoPo Attitudes in mitigating the negative effects of Feminist Self-Identification on Body Appreciation. This study thus provided insights into the predictive role of individual variables (from both interindividual and societal perspectives) on internal states, ultimately affecting Body Appreciation behavior, as suggested by the GLM in the long term. Study 4 consisted of an experiment evaluating the impact of BoPo poetry. However, challenges in manipulating the independent variable rendered further hypothesis testing unfeasible. The subjectivity of poetic interpretation and the textual structure of the poems may have neutralized content differences, hindering an understanding of the relationship between direct media exposure and its immediate effects. Study 5 focused on science communication for the general public, culminating in the creation of an educational booklet to broaden access to the topic. This dissertation underscores the need for future research to explore different formats of BoPo media, their influence across multiple social groups, and their intersection with other gender identities and social markers. The findings reinforce the importance of BoPo media not only as a media phenomenon but also as a tool for reinterpreting body image and challenging hegemonic structures.