Two Brigham Young University professors from the School of Family Life recently oversaw the largest study ever done regarding the potential connection between The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saint doctrine, culture and body image.
A research report summarizing the study’s findings was released Aug. 1 by the Utah State University Utah Women and Leadership Project.
Founder and Director of UWLP Susan Madsen wrote in a press release that historically, individuals who reported being more spiritual or religious also had a more positive body image.
“Given those established trends, Latter-day Saint individuals should have a very high body image,” Madsen said. “However, the authors noticed an interesting paradox among the people they interact with.”
The research aimed to dive deep into doctrine, culture, practices and teaching surrounding body image for members of the Church.
The report also includes recommendations for individuals, parents, friends and members of the Church on how to improve body image among girls and women in Utah and beyond.
The study is based on 126 face-to-face interviews with male and female members of the Church. Another 1,333 completed online surveys about their body image.
According to the press release, respondents said the Church’s teaching about the divine nature and role of the body promoted positive body image, but Church practices and culture related to modesty impacted their body image both positively and negatively.
“Participants felt better about their own bodies when they were taught modesty in a principle-based way, as a form of respect, empowerment and humility,” said Madsen.
Madsen said these individuals felt worse about their bodies when discussions around modesty focused on specific practices like covering their shoulders and knees or focusing on how women’s dress can prevent men’s sexual thoughts.
The report noted that in recent years, conversations about modesty in the Church seem to be moving more toward principle-based decisions founded in personal agency.
Other Church practices, such as wearing temple garments and the Word of Wisdom, have mixed reviews.
According to the report, 40% of participants described wearing temple garments as a positive experience for their body image.
Another 30% described wearing temple garments as having a negative effect on their body image.
The Word of Wisdom was reported to have a mostly positive impact on body image by 57% of participants.
The study also explored cosmetic procedures and surgery rates reported by Church members.
Although the Church has no official position on cosmetic surgery, of the 1,333 participants, 14% of the women in the study had had major cosmetic surgery, and another 20% had undergone cosmetic enhancements.
According to the report, Salt Lake City employs more plastic surgeons per capita than Los Angeles and is usually ranked in the top three within the country at any given time.
The authors also found that Church culture may also be related to body esteem.
Respondents rated Utah as being far less diverse in terms of race, clothing and body shape and size. Practices of faith and religion may vary both within and between geographic areas.
Study results show that individual congregation culture matters, and many participants talked about “Utah culture” as being particularly “toxic” in terms of body image.
This is amplified by a competitive culture in which churchgoers focus on their own physical appearance while comparing themselves to others in their congregation.
Based on their research findings, the authors gave these recommendations to help improve body image within the Latter-day Saint culture, particularly in Utah.
1. Focus on the doctrines of divine nature, the role of the body in the Plan of Salvation, the Atonement of Jesus Christ and Heavenly Parents.
2. Have open conversations about how Church practices (e.g., modesty, garments, the Word of Wisdom) relate to body image.
3. Focus on principles when teaching about modesty as opposed to practices.
4. Create a Church culture that emphasizes acceptance, love, and warmth.
5. Celebrate and encourage diversity.
6. Focus on attachment to God as a primary way to reduce body image concerns.
7. Teach the real meaning of grace.
“Our authors found that every person is on a journey with their own body image,” Madsen said. “This is a complex issue, but there is much we can do to encourage women’s educational efforts, confidence and overall health and well-being, which can help girls and women combat negative body image and focus on traits and strengths beyond physical appearance.”
The report’s authors are Sarah Coyne and Lauren Barnes.
Coyne researched the effects of media on body image, particularly among women, and Barnes, a licensed therapist, works with many who are struggling with body image, eating disorders and other mental health issues.
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