Understanding body image in autistic individuals: A meta-synthesis and an interpretative phenomenological analysis of autistic non-binary experiences

Babb, Charlotte ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5416-640X 2026. Understanding body image in autistic individuals: A meta-synthesis and an interpretative phenomenological analysis of autistic non-binary experiences. ClinPsy Thesis, Cardiff University. Item availability restricted.

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Abstract

Body image research has historically centred on the experiences of populations that did not distinguish neurodivergent participants, with autistic individuals therefore subsumed within broader groups. Furthermore, body image is frequently conceptualised through appearance-based and sociocultural frameworks. However, these dominant models may not adequately capture the experiences of autistic individuals. To develop our understanding of autistic individual’s lived experience of this phenomenon, this meta-synthesis aimed to synthesise qualitative literature exploring autistic people’s experiences of body image. A systematic search was conducted, and eleven qualitative studies met inclusion criteria. Two interrelated, overarching themes were identified: (1) ‘Engagement with societal body norms’ and (2) ‘The importance of body functionality’. Each theme also comprised two subthemes. The first theme captured varied relationships with sociocultural body ideals. Internalisation of societal ideals operated as a way of camouflaging and reducing social rejection for some. Others reported limited investment in ideals. The second theme highlighted the significance of different aspects of bodily functionality and its predictability in shaping body image. Findings suggest autistic people’s body image experiences are shaped through an interplay between sociocultural pressures and the predictability of bodily capabilities and sensory experiences, extending beyond narrow appearance-based concerns. Current body image frameworks may have limited applicability for autistic populations, highlighting the need for more neurodiversity-informed conceptualisations and interventions. Lay Abstract Research on body image has mostly focused on populations that do not distinguish neurodivergent people and often defines body image in terms of appearance. However, autistic people might experience their bodies differently because of differences in sensory and social experiences. To help us develop our understanding of this, this review aimed to bring together existing qualitative research exploring autistic people’s experiences of body image. Eleven relevant studies were identified from a systematic search. Two main themes were developed: (1) ‘Engagement with societal body norms’ and (2) ‘The importance of body functionality’. In the first theme, some people described engaging with societally informed body ideals to fit in with others and avoid social rejection, while others described little interest in following and engaging with these ideals. The second theme highlighted the importance of how the body feels and functions in autistic people’s experience of body image. They described feeling more positively about their body when they felt in control of how it functioned and felt. In contrast, overwhelming sensory experiences and a lack of control over their body’s functioning were linked to feeling negatively about their body. Overall, the findings suggest that things like sensory experiences, control over the body and social expectations are important for autistic people’s body image, as well as how it looks. Current theories and treatments for body image concerns may not always be suitable for autistic people, highlighting the importance of an autism informed approach to these.

Item Type:	Thesis (DClinPsy)
Date Type:	Completion
Status:	Unpublished
Schools:	Schools > Psychology
Subjects:	B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Autism, body image, meta-synthesis, systematic review, qualitative synthesis
Funders:	N/A
Date of First Compliant Deposit:	1 October 2026
Last Modified:	01 Oct 2026 10:57
URI:	https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/189798

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