BPS Antiracist & Intersectional Body Image Research Seminar #2 (Hybrid)

Body image research, like many areas of psychological science, has been shaped by longstanding structural influence that affect how appearance-related work is conceptualised, conducted, analysed, interpreted and disseminated. Recognising and addressing these influences is increasingly seen as an essential part of strengthening the quality, relevance and inclusivity of our field.

This seminar series has been developed in direct response to input from body image researchers. In an initial survey, colleagues across the field highlighted both the urgency of engaging with antiracist and intersectional approaches and a desire for greater exposure to non-traditional methods and ways of thinking to support this work.

These sessions are designed not only for those who are already working explicitly in this area, but to anyone interested in developing more rigorous, inclusive and impactful body image research, regardless of their research focus.

This seminar is partially funded by the British Psychological Society and the School of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Brighton. Please note that lunch will be provided for those attending in-person.

Indicative Programme:

Dr Jamie Chan - Practising reflexivity and critical interogations in qualitative and quantitative methods (11.00 - 11.45am)

Dr Jamie Chan (she/they) is a social psychologist and a Lecturer in Psychology at the University of Brighton. Thieir research typically examines how broader social injustices shape people's body image experiences at the individual level. In recent years, Jamie has actively contributed to antiracist scholarship and discussions in appearance-related research.

Abstract: Body image research is in crisis, stemming from its entanglement with white supremacy, that is, the centering of white, Global Northern ontologies, methodologies and epistemologies in appearance-related knowledge production. Consequently, existing theories often reduce body image to individual-level concerns, leaving the field ill-equipped to challenge systemic racism. This presentation calls for resistance to the ‘ivory mirror’, that is, a system that reflects only a narrow, privileged image of appearance-related experiences and proposes embedded reflexivity and critical interrogations as antiracist tools which critically and meaningfully examines researchers' biases, assumptions, and theoretical approaches throughout the research process. The presention emphasises three overriding principles in conducting reflexive, antiracist research: i) to be transparent, ii) to actively question and be intentional, and iii) to contextualise, as a means to dismantle the limited reflections of the ‘ivory mirror’ and advance a more equitable, emancipatory field.

Dr Phaedra Longhurst- Neuronormativity in body image research (1.00-2.00pm)

Phaedra is a social and applied psychologist and carries out research into body image and the prevention of eating disorders within marginalised social identity groups, situated in their broader socio-political contexts. Phaedra's work is particularly concerned with advancing theoretical frameworks that conceptualise how individuals perceive and experience their bodies and eating-related behaviours (e.g., intuitive eating) across diverse populations. Through this research, Phaedra seeks to generate evidence-based practices that foster health and well-being among underrepresented communities. Phaedra employs participatory and lived experience–informed methodologies within mixed-methods designs, by integrating qualitative inquiry with psychometric approaches.

Abstract: Body image research has historically been built on implicit assumptions/biases about what constitutes a “normal” bodily experience. These assumptions are frequently neuronormative, privileging neurotypical bodies while positioning neurodivergent experiences as deviations from a deficit-based lens. This seminar interrogates how neuronormativity shapes research design, measurement, and interpretation within the body image literature. Through guided reflection and interactive activities, participants will identify embedded assumptions and explore alternative frameworks that better account for neurodivergent experiences. The session highlights the importance of rethinking both methods and concepts to produce more inclusive and representative research.

Gabriel Hoosain Khan - Creative, decolonial research practices including body mapping (2.15-3.15pm)

Gabriel (they/them) uses arts-based practices (including visual art, theatre of the oppressed, and zine-making) to facilitate dialogues and healing, conduct participatory action research, and develop strategic responses to trauma and violence. Gabriel has experience in managing and implementing regional projects in southern Africa on topics related to gender and sexuality, poverty and hunger, and diversity and inclusion. Gabriel last worked at the University of Cape Town, where they piloted the innovative Creative Change Laboratory (CCoLAB). The project created an art-activism laboratory to empower marginalized youth in Cape Town. The ambitious project culminated in an exhibition, zine and mini-documentary. Gabriel is currently pursuing their PhD at the University of Brighton.

Abstract: The Creative Change Laboratory (CCoLAB) was developed as an art for healing and resistance praxis, emerging from struggles against apartheid, gender‑based and queer/trans-phobic violence in South Africa. As part of my PhD, CCoLAB was adapted to Brighton to explore how an African queer practice might work in the UK, and what possibilities may emerge.

In 2025, CCoLAB was offered over 18 weeks to Queer and Trans persons who identify as Black, Indigenous or People of Colour (QTBIPOC) in Brighton and Hove, culminating in a collaborative exhibition. Grounded in arts‑based research, decolonial feminist psychology and collaborative narrative analysis, this work begins from the body as a site where oppression is lived, sensed and remembered.

Drawing on artworks and stories related to one collaborator, this work‑in‑progress examines the embodied‑psycho‑affective harm of colonial violence through processes such as epidermalization and the zone of non‑being. It reflects on how long‑form participatory artmaking enables practices of sumud (resilience/resistance) and takaful (social solidarity). The presentation will also put forward political, ethical and collaborative challenges which emerged through implementing CCoLAB in Brighton.

Facilitated Discussion (3.30-4.30pm)

This is a hybrid event, with both in-person and online participation available.

Funding opportunities

A limited number of bursaries (up to £150) are available to support in-person attendance. Priority will be given to individuals without access to institutional funding, particularly those from minoritised and/or marginalised backgrounds, including doctoral and early career researchers. To apply, please submit a short statement (up to 500 words) outlining your financial need, any relevant positionality, and how attending the seminar series will support your research or career development through this online form hyperlinked.

If you have any questions or if there are any issues with the event page, please email Dr Jamie Chan at [email protected].

Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.

Get App

Host or Publisher Dr Jamie Chan