Author ORCID Identifier
0009-0009-6721-1375
Defense Date
2026
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy
Department
Counseling Psychology
First Advisor
Suzanne Mazzeo
Second Advisor
Patricia Kinser
Third Advisor
Ann Haynos
Fourth Advisor
Heather Jones
Fifth Advisor
Nancy Jallo
Abstract
Postpartum women appear particularly vulnerable to body dissatisfaction due to the rapid physiological, emotional, and environmental changes that occur across the perinatal experience (Baskin et al., 2021; Nippert et al., 2021). Recent studies have demonstrated the experience of both negative and positive body image during postpartum (Rodgers et al., 2024; Watson et al., 2016). However, there is limited research regarding the measurement and exploration of positive body image in postpartum women. The current study aimed to: 1) evaluate the factor structure and psychometric properties of the Body Appreciation Scale-2 (BAS-2), a widely used measure of positive body image in postpartum women and 2) use a qualitative phenomenological approach to explore the lived experience of positive body image in postpartum women. In study 1, a confirmatory factor analysis of the BAS-2 was conducted in a sample of women 0-12 months postpartum (N = 497, Mage = 32.3, SD = 4.6). Results supported the original unidimensional factor structure; the BAS-2 also demonstrated construct validity via its convergent relations with measures of self-compassion, functionality appreciation, weight and shape concerns, and self-objectification). The BAS-2 also yielded internally consistent scores in this sample. In Study 2, one-on-one semi-structured interviews were conducted with 17 postpartum women (Mage =34.4, SD = 9). Four key themes emerged: (1) intentionally fostering positive body image through cognitive and behavioral strategies; (2) functional appreciation as a key component of postpartum positive body image; (3) role of social support and connection for positive body image during postpartum; and (4) recommendations to clinicians and postpartum women. Overall, results suggest the BAS-2 is psychometrically sound for use in women 0-12 months postpartum and highlights specific factors (e.g., cognitive, behavioral, social, recommendations) specifically related to the experience of positive body image postpartum.
Rights
© Taylor Vashro
Is Part Of
VCU University Archives
Is Part Of
VCU Theses and Dissertations
Date of Submission
8-28-2026