Learning Objective #1: Identify the contexts and conditions that assist lesbians in developing perceptions of their body image

Learning Objective #2: Describe the importance of utilizing a developmental framework when assessing body image disturbances in women

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The objectification of women by the media is the basis of much of society's accepted standards of what a woman should look like. All women get the same messages regardless of their sexual orientation. The beauty standards that women attempt to attain often leave them feeling less than acceptable. Generally researchers exclude lesbians from body image research. Because there are so few lesbian perspectives in the literature on body image, it is not clear how the impact of unrealistic body images supported by society affect lesbians. This study has adapted a grounded theory approach and has examined stories told by participants about their perceptions of body image and how society and the lesbian community itself affects these perceptions. This research will provide new knowledge to the discipline of nursing. Because the field of lesbian health research is so underdeveloped, especially within nursing, studies are needed that use qualitative methods to increase our understanding of the diversity and distinct subgroups of this population. It is essential for nurses to have a better understanding of lesbian body image, as this is a potentially important component of the physical and mental health of lesbians.