Predictors of Change in Body Image in Female Participants of an Outdoor Education Program

Body image is an ever changing phenomenon that has a profound effect on women’s quality of life. Research related to body image is expansive, but few researchers have focused on how outdoor education may influence body image. This study examines predictors of change in body image of female participants of an outdoor education program. Twenty-eight females were surveyed using the Multidimensional Body–Self Relations Questionnaire before and after participation in an outdoor education program to determine change in body image. A multiple regression was used to determine if body valuation was a predictor of change in body image during an outdoor education program. A positive change in body image was associated with lower scores in body valuation prior to intervention. The results indicate that outdoor education programs may have a positive effect on how females perceive their body image when a negative body image exists prior to intervention.