Body Image Flashcards
define body image
a multidimensional construct that reflects a subjective assessment based on self observation and reactions of others.
component of self esteem
4 dimensions of body image
perceptual, cognitive, affective (emotional), and behavioral.
describe the perceptual dimension of body image
how we imagine ourselves
describe the cognitive dimension of body image
how we think/evaluate our body in terms of a mental picture
describe affective dimension of body image
body related feelings (comfortable, anxious, disgusted ect… body self esteem)
describe the behavioural dimension of body image
what we do based on positive or negitive perceptions, thoughts/ feelings
define body reality
actual physical characteritics
height, weight, body fat, bone structure, fitness, strength, disease
Define body ideal
how we think our body should look/function
what does it mean to have a healthy body image (3)
- accurate perception about shape/size
- thoughts and feelings about body are predominantly postive
- behaviour reflects positive evaluations across all dimensions
define body image disturbance
when there is a difference between body reality and body ideal
how can someone have a body image disturbance (3)
- inaccurate perceptions of one’s body shape/size
- negitive thoughts and feelings about their body
- actions to hide or change their body without regard to health implications
how to measure body image
done through questionaires. Assess degrees of satisfaction with ones body shape/size and attitudes, beliefs & thoughts about body shape and function. (cognitive & affective measures).
define body dismorphic disorder and what does it include (2)
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)
define body cathexis
amount of degree of feeling happy or displeased with body parts
define cathexis
the process of investment of mental or emotional energy
factors that influence body image (4)
- media
2.culture
3.activity/sport - changes to body reality through growth/development
how does media affect body image (4)
-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
how can sport/activity contribute to body image
some sports emphazise weight control or thinness (ballet, gymnastics, wrestling, body building…)
how can growth and development affect body image
your body changes through your life (puberty/ pregnancy/chronic disease that changes your body [cancer- hair loss, breast removal]…)
define internalized bias
convincing yourself of the stereotypes around your body size if society treats you like your stereotype
downside to exercise
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)
strategies to use to promote healthy body image (7)
-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
define body neutrality
a mindset that encourages you to value how your body functions and feels over how it looks
