Body Image Models & Theories Flashcards
How can Body image be Positive and Negative?
- Body-related perceptions, cognitions, emotions, and behaviours can be both positive and negative
- Absence of negative body image does not mean someone experiences positive body image
What is the Tripartite Influence Model of Body Image?
Media, parents, and peers
influence body image
Tripartite Influence Model of Body Image
What is the effect of media on Body Image?
- Repeated media exposure to idealized and attractive images may promote self-criticism
- Facebook and Instagram support positive and negative body image
- Desire to post favourably and self-promote may lead viewers to envy and shame
Tripartite Influence Model of Body Image
What is the affect of Parents on Body Image?
5
May influence negative body image through:
- Rejection
- Setting appearance norms
- Modelling behaviour
- Encouraging weight control
- Behaviours like teasing and being negative
Tripartite Influence Model of Body Image
What is the affect of Peers on Body Image? (4)
May influence negative body image through:
- Social disapproval/rejection
- Teasing
- Body-related feedback about weight and shape
- Negative commentary
What is the Social Comparison Theory?
We often feel the need to evaluate our abilities and characteristics in comparison to others
Social Comparison Theory
What are Downward social comparisons?
Comparing ourselves to those who are worse off than we are on attributes we value (e.g. appearance, body shape, physical skill)
Can lead to positive feelings, thoughts, and behaviours, but can be problematic:
- Linked to hubristic pride
- What happens if/when circumstances change?
Social Comparison Theory
What are Upward social comparisons?
Comparing ourselves to others who are better off than we are on attributes we value
Upward social comparisons have two possible outcomes:
- Engaging in actions to reduce discrepancy between self and other
- Can lead to negative body image
In Physical Activity and Body Image,
what 2 functions can body image serve?
- Motivate self-protection, avoidance, and withdrawal from physical activity behaviours
- Motivation for physical activity behaviours as a means of self-enhancement
How are Negative emotions related to physical activity levels?
Negative emotions (e.g., envy, shame, guilt, etc.) and negative cognitions (e.g., actual:ideal discrepancies) are related to lower motivation and physical activity levels
Physical Activity and Body Image
How are Body-related pride linked to self- determined forms of motivation and higher levels of physical activity?
Hubristic pride may reduce likelihood of participating in physical activity because of “no need”
Authentic pride associated with engagement and persistence in physical activity
Health Behaviours and Body Image
What can High negative body images lead to?
High negative body image may lead to other health-compromising behaviours:
- Cosmetic surgery, smoking, alcohol and drug abuse, sexual problems across lifespan, unhealthy eating regimes and excessive exercise
Mental Health and Body Image
What have Higher levels of depressive symptoms have been associated with?
- Drive for muscularity (boys and girls)
- Social physique anxiety
- Weight (adolescent girls)
- Body dissatisfaction (boys)
Cardio-metabolic Risk and Body Image
How does body image relate to stress, and physical health?
- Increased cortisol
- Increased immune markers (C-reactive protein)
- Linked to cardiovascular disease and depression
What are Gaps in Understanding Body Image, Health, and Physical Activity?
- LGTBQ+ identity and body image in physical activity
- Race, body image, and physical activity
- Disability, body image, and physical activity
- Intersectionality, body image, and physical activity
What are Practical Implications of Health Professionals, Coaches, and Physical Educators?
- Create supportive environments that limit judgments, evaluations & dispel body ideals
- Create appreciation of unique bodies
- Create intervention strategies to manage appearance-related social pressures
- Develop interventions that involve parents and peers in promoting positive body image norms
Practical Implications of Health Professionals, Coaches, Educators
What is Cognitive-behavioural therapy?
Problem-based and action-oriented approach to address dysfunctional emotions, maladaptive behaviours, and cognitions
- Delivered by trained therapists
What is Self-compassion?
Self-compassion involves offering nonjudgmental understanding and compassion to oneself
What are the 3 components of Self- compassion?
- Self-kindness
- Common humanity
- Mindfulness
3 components of Self- Compassion
What is Self-kindness?
Being kind and understanding towards yourself (as opposed to being critical)
3 components of Self- Compassion
What is Common humanity?
Everyone has similar experiences (as opposed to feeling like you are the only one going through this)
3 components of Self-Compassion
What is Mindfulness?
Balance between acknowledging & getting caught up with negative emotions
How can we Foster Body Self-Compassion?
Think of a situation in your life related to your body that is difficult, that is causing you stress. Call the situation to mind, and see if you can actually feel the stress and emotional discomfort in your body
Practical Example 1:
Body Self-Compassion Break
Now, say to yourself:
1. This is a moment of suffering (this is mindfulness)
Other options include:
* This hurts.
* Ouch.
* This is stressful
Practical Example 2:
Body Self-Compassion Break
Now, say to yourself:
2. Suffering is a part of life (this is common humanity)
Other options include:
* Other people feel this way.
* I’m not alone.
* We all struggle in our lives
Practical Example 3:
Body Self-Compassion Break
Now, put your hands over your heart and say to yourself:
3. May I be kind to myself (this is self-kindness)
Other options include:
* What do I need to hear right now to express kindness to myself?
* May I give myself the compassion that I need.
* May I learn to accept myself as I am.
* May I forgive myself.
* May I be strong.
* May I be patient
