Angela Gilmour

Introduction: With the global rise of veganism, shifting dietary habits are reshaping the social roles and identities of Australian vegan men. Despite a predominance of research in female experiences of veganism, this topic remains underexplored for men. Method: Using the social identity theory framework, this phenomenological, semi‐structured interview study explores how 27 Australian vegan men perceive and navigate their social identities within their social relationships. Using reflexive thematic analysis, we found four main themes. Results: The first two illustrating out‐group interactions: (i) masculinity and moral identity and (ii) navigating vegan identity : community and cultural integration and the final two illustrating within‐group interactions, (iii) Negotiating dietary boundaries: whole‐food and flexible veganism and (iv) close connections: strengthening personal bonds . Conclusion: Australian vegan men navigated their social identities through out‐group dynamics involving masculinity, ethical commitments and community integration, and in‐group dynamics marked by dietary boundary negotiation and solidarity with vegan communities. However, they also faced social isolation and strained relationships. So What?: Their experiences reflected identity negotiation processes shaped by moral values, subgroup tensions and the importance of supportive social relationships in sustaining vegan practices. We recommend awareness of vegan male experiences of stigma, false perceptions and struggles with masculine ideals versus masculine values.

Issue Addressed: The postpartum period, a time known to instil joy and fulfilment, is dominated by unreasonable and often unattainable expectations for mothers to achieve perfection across multiple domains. Despite prior research confirming that body image dissatisfaction, disordered eating and postpartum depression are prevalent in the postpartum, mothers remain pressured to maintain active and healthy lifestyles while juggling the demands of parenthood. Methods: This qualitative phenomenological study investigated body image, eating attitudes and mental health of the lived experiences of 182 Australian postpartum women through open‐ended survey questions. Mothers over 18 years ( M = 33.50, SD = 7.22) with biological children under four years of age completed an online survey and were recruited through social media. Results: Responses to six open‐ended questions were examined using thematic template analysis, which generated three themes: (i) Grieving Old Self: Finding Acceptance Amidst Changes to Appearance , (ii) Convenience is Key: Balancing Child‐Centred Nutrition and Mindful Choices Amid Time Constraints , and (iii) The Cognitive Load: Demands of Motherhood Supersede Positive Mental Health . Conclusions: Findings demonstrated the complexities that mothers experience and emphasised that the postpartum period is a time of personal transformation and growth, as well as considerable vulnerability toward the development of adverse physical and psychological outcomes. Mothers continue to experience body image dissatisfaction, are too time‐poor to eat healthily and are cognitively burdened by increased responsibility. So what? Significant attention and robust resources are needed from healthcare providers to mitigate these likely outcomes, offer preventative strategies to decrease risks to psychological health, and normalise mothers' experiences.

The postpartum period presents physical and psychological changes, often influenced by societal body image ideals. This study explores postpartum women’s experiences with body image and eating behaviours using a qualitative phenomenological approach. Four semi-structured focus groups were conducted with 15 Australian postpartum women. Reflexive thematic analysis identified three key themes: (i) Internal guilt and self-judgement: Mothers are never the priority , mothers deprioritising their needs, (ii) External pressure and support , societal and social influences on postpartum expectations and (iii) Healthy habits and self-compassion , balancing diet, exercise and self-acceptance. Many participants experienced body dissatisfaction driven by societal standards and a desire to reclaim pre-pregnancy bodies, sometimes leading to maladaptive eating behaviours. Social support was both helpful and a source of pressure. This study highlights the complex relationship between postpartum body image and eating attitudes, emphasising the need for holistic healthcare interventions to support maternal well-being, body positivity and healthy eating practices.