At The American Psychological Association’s 124th Annual Convention on Friday, researchers presented data resulting in the fact that women’s feelings about body image has improved, even by just a little. It should be noted that this data is based on research from 1981 to 2011, it looked at more than 100,000 men and women, and on average women’s dissatisfaction dropped 3.3 points.

3.3 points may seem small, but it’s a step researchers insist. Looking at data from over 23,800 men and women over 14 years who were asked about their satisfaction with their muscular build. And while researchers aren’t sure what has caused this drop, they have some ideas.Bryan Karazsia, an associate professor of psychology at The College of Wooster, says, “because people are larger, people are seeing what’s around them and feel more normal and less concerned.” It could also be the result of many body positivity movements, and figures speaking out more about their struggles with weight and body image.

Karazsia added, “As those ideals are shifting, I think people are becoming a little more critical of the extreme images they see and the media is embracing [the idea] that bodies of all shapes and sizes can still sell products. I am optimistic that [this study] is good news. I am a dad of young girls so when I saw these findings I thought it was hopeful.” Do you think body image in women has gotten better? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.