Body Image

Question 1

define body image

Answer 1

a multidimensional construct that reflects a subjective assessment based on self observation and reactions of others.

component of self esteem

Question 2

4 dimensions of body image

Answer 2

perceptual, cognitive, affective (emotional), and behavioral.

Question 3

describe the perceptual dimension of body image

Answer 3

how we imagine ourselves

Question 4

describe the cognitive dimension of body image

Answer 4

how we think/evaluate our body in terms of a mental picture

Question 5

describe affective dimension of body image

Answer 5

body related feelings (comfortable, anxious, disgusted ect… body self esteem)

Question 6

describe the behavioural dimension of body image

Answer 6

what we do based on positive or negitive perceptions, thoughts/ feelings

Question 7

define body reality

Answer 7

actual physical characteritics
height, weight, body fat, bone structure, fitness, strength, disease

Question 8

Define body ideal

Answer 8

how we think our body should look/function

Question 9

what does it mean to have a healthy body image (3)

Answer 9

1. accurate perception about shape/size
2. thoughts and feelings about body are predominantly postive
3. behaviour reflects positive evaluations across all dimensions

Question 10

define body image disturbance

Answer 10

when there is a difference between body reality and body ideal

Question 11

how can someone have a body image disturbance (3)

Answer 11

1. inaccurate perceptions of one’s body shape/size
2. negitive thoughts and feelings about their body
3. actions to hide or change their body without regard to health implications

Question 12

how to measure body image

Answer 12

done through questionaires. Assess degrees of satisfaction with ones body shape/size and attitudes, beliefs & thoughts about body shape and function. (cognitive & affective measures).

Question 13

define body dismorphic disorder and what does it include (2)

Answer 13

excessive preoccupation with some aspect of ones appearance/body.
includes:
-Obsessive compulsive behaviours (constantly weighing one’s self)
-extreme body dissatisfaction
-muscle dysmorphia (anxiety & steriod use)

Question 14

define body cathexis

Answer 14

amount of degree of feeling happy or displeased with body parts

Question 15

define cathexis

Answer 15

the process of investment of mental or emotional energy

Question 16

factors that influence body image (4)

Answer 16

1. media
   2.culture
   3.activity/sport
2. changes to body reality through growth/development

Question 17

how does media affect body image (4)

Answer 17

-promotes strict, narrowly defines image of an ideal body. Perpetuates the misconseption that bodies of models and movie stars are the norm
-tries to sell ‘quick fixes’
-compartmentalizes the body/isolates parts and focuses on gender specific exercises
-fitness is used in relation to lose weight

Question 18

how can sport/activity contribute to body image

Answer 18

some sports emphazise weight control or thinness (ballet, gymnastics, wrestling, body building…)

Question 19

how can growth and development affect body image

Answer 19

your body changes through your life (puberty/ pregnancy/chronic disease that changes your body [cancer- hair loss, breast removal]…)

Question 20

define internalized bias

Answer 20

convincing yourself of the stereotypes around your body size if society treats you like your stereotype

Question 21

downside to exercise

Answer 21

excessive exercise can be harmful.
People with eating disorders and body image dysmorphia share many symptoms with those addicted to exercise (exercise is more important than other obligations, used like a drug, creates conflict in other areas of life, risk of relapse)

Question 22

strategies to use to promote healthy body image (7)

Answer 22

-focus on how you feel
-move away from asthetics
-focus on your own professional appearance (QEP) be a role model
-reframe/find gratitude in your body
-Don’t refer to your body in a negative way (it will let your client think they can talk bad about themselves- lead by example)
-structure workouts clients enjoy
-referral when necessary

Question 23

define body neutrality

Answer 23

a mindset that encourages you to value how your body functions and feels over how it looks