Being a social animal, human beings have a ‘need to fit in’. This implies to gaining validation, acceptance and sense of belongingness. However, individuals tend to develop misperceptions about their body or become excessively concerned about negligible/ non-existing flaw(s). Agitation could be regarding weight, waist size, face symmetry, acne, body hair, shape of particular organ such as nose, lips, jaw, breast, buttocks etc.
Being conscious about one’s body type or body shape/ skin colour etc. is very common. One’s physical appearance is perceived as symbol for their desirability, power and success. Individuals can’t stop thinking about perceived defects or flaws in their physical appearance. Body image issues can be extremely draining experience. Poor body image is linked with low self-esteem, decreased confidence, depressive feelings and may take up shape of eating disorders without any fault of your own.
There can be numerous factors leading negative body image though the root cause is media portrayal of unrealistic beauty standards combined with self criticism.
Others factors leading to negative body image are:
· Appearance based criticism
· Distorted self perception
· Being teased, bullied, mocked or name-called
· Social comparison
· Childhood experiences
· Racism and stereotypes
. Body-hating family members
Frequently Asked Questions
An individual who has a good body image feels at ease in their skin and has a positive relationship with how their body looks and feels.
The unhealthy behaviours of dieting, restrictive eating, excessive exercise, smoking, substance abuse, and other weight-control methods have all been connected to negative body image, and all of these can result in physical and mental illness.
Some ways to maintain a positive body image involves positive self-talk, Consider who you are as a whole, positive self-image, high self-confidence, high self-esteem, surround yourself with supportive people.
It has been found that cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is a successful treatment option for people who are having problems with their body image. The major objective of therapy would be to address the preoccupation on perceived flaws and create a more realistic and positive understanding of the body.
Dieting, restrictive eating, excessive exercise, smoking, substance abuse, and other weight-control measures are all unhealthy behaviours that have been linked to negative body image and can all lead to physical and mental illness.
You can reach out to a mental health professional who can help you to learn strategies which contribute to the healthy body image such as positive self-talk etc..
Cognitive behaviour therapy is best for body image issues in which a therapist aims to alter the negative thoughts and feelings associated with body and try to restructure them in a healthy manner.
Positive self-talk, taking into account who you are as a whole, having a positive self-image, having high levels of self-confidence and self-esteem, and surrounding yourself with encouraging people are some strategies you can practice to solve body image problems.
A therapist can employ cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) as a viable treatment option to address the preoccupation on perceived imperfections and develop a more realistic and positive perception of the body after taking a thorough case history regarding your symptoms.
The unhealthy behaviours that have been linked to negative body image and can all result in physical and mental illness include dieting, restrictive eating, excessive exercise, smoking, substance abuse, and other weight-control methods.
To discover techniques that contribute to a good body image, such as positive self-talk, etc., you can get in touch with a mental health expert.
After taking a detailed case history detailing your symptoms, a therapist may use cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) as a possible treatment option to address the obsession with perceived flaws and foster a more realistic and positive perspective of the body.
A body image therapist is a qualified and trained mental health professional who has got expertise in dealing with body image issues.