BODY IMAGE
Body image refers to a person’s perception of their physical self, as well as the thoughts and feelings that come with it. Individual and environmental factors influence these feelings, which can be positive, negative, or both. In a world where appearances are a critical criterion for judgement and evaluation, body image consciousness and stress are unavoidable, leading to an exponential rise in social comparisons and low self-esteem and confidence issues among teenagers. The following are some of the factors that contribute to a negative body image:
- Gender: Adolescent girls are more likely than adolescent boys to be dissatisfied with their bodies.
- Low self-esteem and /or Depression
- Personality Traits: People with perfectionist tendencies, high achievers, ‘black and white’ thinkers, those who internalise beauty ideals, and those who frequently compare themselves to others are more likely to have negative body images.
The thoughts and feelings you have about your body make up your body image. Body image can range from positive to negative experiences, and one person may feel positive, negative, or a combination of both at different times. Internal (e.g. personality) and external (e.g. social environment) factors both influence body image.
What are the four aspects of body image?
- Your perceptual body image is how you see yourself. This isn’t always a true reflection of how you look in real life.
- Your affective body image is how you feel about your body. Feelings can range from happiness to disgust, but they’re usually summed up as how satisfied or dissatisfied you are with your shape, weight, and individual body parts.
- Your cognitive body image is the way you think about your body. This can lead to obsessive thoughts about body shape and weight.
- Your behavioural body image refers to the actions you take as a result of your body image. When a person is unhappy with their appearance, they may isolate themselves or engage in unhealthy behaviours in order to change it.
What is positive body image or body acceptance?
Possessing a positive body image refers to the ability to accept, appreciate, and respect one’s own body. This is not the same as body satisfaction, because you can be unhappy with aspects of your body while still accepting it for all of its flaws. Positive body image is significant because it is one of the protective factors that can reduce the risk of developing an eating disorder.
A positive body image is associated with:
- Higher self-esteem, or how a person feels about themselves, can have a positive impact on all aspects of life and contribute to happiness and wellbeing.
- Self-acceptance means a person is less likely to be influenced by unrealistic media images and societal pressures to look a certain way, and more likely to be comfortable and happy with the way they look.
- Being in tune with, and responding to, the needs of your body makes it easier to live a balanced lifestyle with healthier attitudes and practices relating to food and exercise.
What is body dissatisfaction?
When a person has persistent negative thoughts and feelings about their body, it is referred to as body dissatisfaction. Body dissatisfaction is an internal emotional and cognitive process that is influenced by external factors such as pressures to conform to a particular appearance ideal. People who are unhappy with their bodies are more likely to engage in unhealthy weight-control behaviors, such as disordered eating. As a result, they are at a higher risk of developing an eating disorder.
Getting help
Seek professional help if you or someone you know is concerned about their body image or eating habits. Professional assistance can assist you in changing harmful beliefs and behaviours, as well as establishing greater body acceptance..