Promoting Body Positivity Through Pole Fitness

The interpretations of body image are associated with identity and psychological well-being within the dimensions of a society and culture. Body image has been conceptualized as a multidimensional construct that is comprised of perception, cognition, affect and behavior and can be defined as a fluctuating mental awareness of body shape, size and form that is influenced by external and internal factors including individual, societal, cultural, environmental and biological attributes. The majority of the literature regarding body image is associated with aesthetics and physical appearance, however the ideology of body functionality, defined as the entirety of the body’s capabilities and functions including physical, functional, sensory, innovation, communication and maintenance provides a comprehensive understanding of body image that has beneficial impacts on subjective well-being. Existing literature in the field of creative psychology proposes that captivated immersion in recreational physical activities invokes a state of consciousness known as ‘flow’ (Csikszentmihalyi, 1996), which encourages enhanced perceptions of the self by advocating a sense of positive body image, improving mood, promoting personal growth and fostering healthy lifestyle patterns through self-expression. Recently, pole dancing has gained popularity as a form of recreational physical exercise and artistic self-expression worldwide and has established a distinctive community that creates meaning in life in the lives of participants by facilitating social interactions, enhancing self-confidence and advocating individual development. We employed qualitative research design to explore the mentality and behaviorisms of individuals involved with pole dance as a recreational activity combined with the hermeneutic phenomenology approach which enabled the investigators to understand the unique perspectives and life experiences of pole dancers. An in-depth interview was conducted with ten women recruited from local pole dance studios in Seoul, South Korea. Eligibility criteria for participating in the current study included individuals who (a) were involved in pole dance for at least one year; (b) were at least 18 years of age; and (c) were able to recall and share their pole dancing experiences. Constant comparison method was used to identify emerging themes. Data analysis began immediately after the first interview, and continued throughout the data collection process. Analysis resulted in five central themes which expressed various experiential qualities of pole dancing: (a) achievement; (b) positive body image, (c) selfconfidence, (d) trust and solidarity, and (e) creativity. Our findings revealed pole dancing as a leisure activity is a creative medium that embodies a central role in the participants’ lives which fosters social support, improves physical health and self-confidence and provides feelings of enjoyment and happiness by cultivating a sense of body appreciation and acceptance. The findings of this study suggest that pole dancing is an effective self-care intervention within community programs not only in Korea, but also in an international context.