BODY IMAGE

Question 1

what is body image?

Answer 1

A multidimensional construct that reflects
A subjective assessment; based on self-observation and reactions of others.

Question 2

what are the 4 body image dimensions?

Answer 2

1. perceptual
   - how we IMAGINE ourselves, mental picture of our body and its function
2. cognitive
   - how we THINK about/ evaluate our body, in our mental picture and function.
3. affective
   - body related feelings. (proud, comfortable, anxious, desgusted)
4. behavioral
   - how we act based on how we feel.

Question 3

1. what is body reality?
2. what is body ideal?

Answer 3

1. Actual physical characteristics—height, weight, body fat, lean body mass, bone structure,
   fitness, strength, disease
2. How we think our body should look &
   function.
   - everyone’s body is different so therefore body ideal has a different standard for everyone.

Question 4

what is body image disturbance?

Answer 4

• When there’s a significant gap between body reality (actual physical self) and body ideal (how we think we should look and function physically)

Question 5

what can body image disturbances lead to?

Answer 5

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

Question 6

normative discontent is what?

Answer 6

• widespread negative body image.
• Fretting over weight/body appearance is a common psychological issue, beginning at a young age
• body dissatisfaction.

Question 7

what is body catnexis?

Answer 7

satisfaction/ dissatisfaction with body part or weight.

Question 8

what is muscle dysmorphia?

Answer 8

• preoccupation with muscularity
• dissatisfaction with muscles
• steroid use

Question 9

what factors influence body image?

Answer 9

• media
• culture
• changes to body reality through growth and development
• sport/activity