The Role of Butch versus Femme Identity in Body Image and Breast Health Among Lesbians in Taiwan: Results of an Online Survey

Abstract

Purpose The views of butch‐ and femme‐identified lesbians toward their own breasts, breast cancer, breast cancer screenings, and their behavior and intentions toward breast health care were examined and compared in this study. Methods A total of 208 Taiwanese lesbians (134 butch‐identified lesbians and 78 femme‐identified lesbians) completed an online survey. Results Butch‐identified lesbians were more likely to hold negative views regarding their own breasts, which were found to be significantly and negatively associated with their actions in performing breast self‐examinations when compared with femme‐identified lesbians. Conclusions Healthcare providers should be aware of and provide culturally competent care to lesbians with different identities. Clinical Relevance The results can be employed as evidence for promoting lesbians’ breast health, particularly butch‐identified lesbians. Healthcare providers should provide a supportive environment in order to promote a positive body image and improve breast health among lesbians.

Body (dis)satisfaction and health screening behaviors: A systematic review of observational studies

“…As shown in Table 1 , ten measures were used to assess different aspects of body (dis)satisfaction in 11 studies while five studies ( Adams et al, 1993 ; Jensen and Moriarty, 2008 ; Kwan and Lee, 2018 ; Risica et al, 2008 ; Wang et al, 2020 ) used self-developed single-item measures. The most used measure was the Multidimensional Body–Self Relations Questionnaire–Appearance Scales (MBSRQ-AS; Brown et al, 1990 ; Cash, 2000 ).…”

“…The most commonly assessed aspects of body (dis)satisfaction were satisfaction with overall physical appearance ( n = 7; Adams et al, 1993 ; Chait et al, 2009 ; Gillen and Markey, 2014 ; Kwan and Lee, 2018 ; Luszczynska et al, 2012 ; Risica et al, 2008 ; Samah and Ahmadian, 2014 ) and overall body areas ( n = 6; Andrew et al, 2016 ; Chait et al, 2009 ; DeMaria et al, 2011 ; Katz et al, 2009 ; Samah and Ahmadian, 2014 ; Swami and Furnham, 2018 ). Few studies examined (dis)satisfaction with specific body areas such as breasts ( Chait et al, 2009 ; Swami and Furnham, 2018 ; Wang et al, 2020 ) and genitals ( DeMaria et al, 2011 ). Other dimensions of body image that are not specific to body (dis)satisfaction, such as body appreciation ( Andrew et al, 2016 ; Ramseyer Winter et al, 2020 ), appearance orientation (the extent to which one invests in their appearance; Chait et al, 2009 ; Gillen and Markey, 2014 ; Samah and Ahmadian, 2014 ), evaluation concerning body weight, size, or shape ( Ludman et al, 2010 ; Samah and Ahmadian, 2014 ), feelings about how one’s body appears to others ( Ramseyer Winter et al, 2020 ; Wang et al, 2020 ), and negative feelings when looking at one’s body ( Jensen and Moriarty, 2008 ), were also examined.…”

“…Few studies examined (dis)satisfaction with specific body areas such as breasts ( Chait et al, 2009 ; Swami and Furnham, 2018 ; Wang et al, 2020 ) and genitals ( DeMaria et al, 2011 ). Other dimensions of body image that are not specific to body (dis)satisfaction, such as body appreciation ( Andrew et al, 2016 ; Ramseyer Winter et al, 2020 ), appearance orientation (the extent to which one invests in their appearance; Chait et al, 2009 ; Gillen and Markey, 2014 ; Samah and Ahmadian, 2014 ), evaluation concerning body weight, size, or shape ( Ludman et al, 2010 ; Samah and Ahmadian, 2014 ), feelings about how one’s body appears to others ( Ramseyer Winter et al, 2020 ; Wang et al, 2020 ), and negative feelings when looking at one’s body ( Jensen and Moriarty, 2008 ), were also examined. Hibbert et al (2020) examined objectified body consciousness ( McKinley and Hyde, 1996 ), which encapsulates elements of appearance evaluation, concerns about how one appears to others, and internalization of cultural standards of bodies.…”

“…Breast cancer screening was the most assessed behavior ( n = 16). Five studies captured breast self-examinations only ( Chait et al, 2009 ; Ellingson, 2003 ; Fish and Wilkinson, 2003 ; Samah and Ahmadian, 2014 ; Swami and Furnham, 2018 ), five captured clinical examinations only ( Clark et al, 2003 ; Katz et al, 2009 ; Ludman et al, 2010 ; McBride et al, 2019 ; Thomas and Usher, 2009 ), while six captured both ( Andrew et al, 2016 ; Lende and Lachiondo, 2009 ; Nguyen-Truong et al, 2018 ; Thomas, 2004 ; Wang et al, 2018 , 2020 ).…”

The Holistic Health Status of Chinese Homosexual and Bisexual Adults: A Scoping Review

“…Although the number of studies conducted for different genders varied greatly (627 vs. 16), the comparison revealed that male-related research focused more on sexual health (HIV/STI), while female-related research was relatively more concerned with mental health (25.00 vs. 3.35%). Furthermore, four studies investigated breast-related health among female sexual minorities (68)(69)(70)(71), all of which were conducted in Taiwan.…”