Body positivity through creative immersion: A qualitative study of women's pole dancing experiences

Perceptions of body image are shaped by sociocultural influences and have been extensively examined in relation to physical and psychological health outcomes. Our study explores concepts of body image manifested through experiences of "flow" among women in South Korea who participate in pole dancing as a recreational physical activity. A qualitative research design incorporating the hermeneutic phenomenological approach revealed that pole dancing serves as a creative medium which embodies a central role in the lives of women of diverse cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds by promoting body appreciation, self-acceptance, improving physical health, enhancing confidence, providing a sense of enjoyment, and establishing social support. Our findings affirm the significance of leisure based physical activities that emphasize functionality and promote positive body image such as pole dancing may be an effective self-care strategy which can be incorporated in health interventions for women within community programs on an international scale.