Body Image Perceptions Among Dancers and Non-Dancers

Body image perception is the subjective experience of the body, which includes thoughts, feelings, and attitudes about one’s own body and its appearance. It involves how individuals perceive their physical self in relation to their ideal body and to societal standards, and it can be influenced by various psychological, social, and cultural factors. This study aimed to compare body image perceptions between dancers and non-dancers. Using a cross-sectional comparative design, the researcher surveyed 111 non-dancers and 75 dancers through simple random sampling, employing the Body Appreciation Scale (BAS) to measure body image. One-way ANOVA demonstrated a statistically significant difference in Body Image Perception (BIP) scores between dancers and non-dancers. Gender and educational qualification were found to have no significant difference with body image perception. The results suggest that dancers perceive their body image more positively and with less variability compared to non-dancers. These findings underscore the potential benefits of dance activities in promoting positive body image. Future research should explore the causal mechanisms and specific elements of dance contributing to this effect. The implications of these results suggest that integrating dance into interventions could enhance body image and well-being.