‘Merge my breath with the one of nature’: Qualitative analysis on focus groups exploring how nature exposure could improve positive body image in young women

Objectives: Nature exposure may support young women in improving their relationship with their body, enhancing positive body image. However, the mechanisms remain still largely underexplored. A few qualitative studies provided valuable insights, but they lacked generalizability to the broader population of young women, since they often relied on similar samples (e.g. North American individuals, individuals recovering from an eating disorder) or did not accurately represent young women (e.g. too broad age range). Therefore, the current study aimed to qualitatively explore how nature exposure could improve positive body image relying on a sample of young women recruited from the general Italian population, who self-report to expose themselves to natural environments. Design: A qualitative study using focus groups composed of young women who expose themselves to natural environments. Methods: Six focus groups were conducted with 19 young Italian women (Mdnage = 25 years; range = 22-35 years). The transcripts were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. Results: Three main themes were developed: (1) Nature strengthens a connection with the body, (2) nature reduces emphasis on appearance and (3) nature as a catalyst for self-(re)connection. These three themes suggest novel possible mechanisms involved in the relationship between nature exposure and positive body image (e.g. positive embodiment) and capture some cultural nuances (e.g. the role of beaches). Conclusions: Overall, this study offers meaningful directions for future studies, which could quantitatively examine the identified mechanisms. Moreover, it informs prevention strategies and psychological interventions aimed at improving young women's relationship with their bodies utilizing nature exposure.