Body Image Models & Theories

Question 1

How can Body image be Positive and Negative?

Answer 1

• 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

Question 2

What is the Tripartite Influence Model of Body Image?

Answer 2

Media, parents, and peers
influence body image

Question 3

Tripartite Influence Model of Body Image

What is the effect of media on Body Image?

Answer 3

• 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

Question 4

Tripartite Influence Model of Body Image

What is the affect of Parents on Body Image?

5

Answer 4

May influence negative body image through:

• Rejection
• Setting appearance norms
• Modelling behaviour
• Encouraging weight control
• Behaviours like teasing and being negative

Question 5

Tripartite Influence Model of Body Image

What is the affect of Peers on Body Image? (4)

Answer 5

May influence negative body image through:

• Social disapproval/rejection
• Teasing
• Body-related feedback about weight and shape
• Negative commentary

Question 6

What is the Social Comparison Theory?

Answer 6

We often feel the need to evaluate our abilities and characteristics in comparison to others

Question 7

Social Comparison Theory

What are Downward social comparisons?

Answer 7

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?

Question 8

Social Comparison Theory

What are Upward social comparisons?

Answer 8

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

Question 9

In Physical Activity and Body Image,
what 2 functions can body image serve?

Answer 9

1. Motivate self-protection, avoidance, and withdrawal from physical activity behaviours
2. Motivation for physical activity behaviours as a means of self-enhancement

Question 10

How are Negative emotions related to physical activity levels?

Answer 10

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

Question 11

Physical Activity and Body Image

How are Body-related pride linked to self- determined forms of motivation and higher levels of physical activity?

Answer 11

Hubristic pride may reduce likelihood of participating in physical activity because of “no need”

Authentic pride associated with engagement and persistence in physical activity

Question 12

Health Behaviours and Body Image

What can High negative body images lead to?

Answer 12

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

Question 13

Mental Health and Body Image

What have Higher levels of depressive symptoms have been associated with?

Answer 13

• Drive for muscularity (boys and girls)
• Social physique anxiety
• Weight (adolescent girls)
• Body dissatisfaction (boys)

Question 14

Cardio-metabolic Risk and Body Image

How does body image relate to stress, and physical health?

Answer 14

• Increased cortisol
• Increased immune markers (C-reactive protein)
• Linked to cardiovascular disease and depression

Question 15

What are Gaps in Understanding Body Image, Health, and Physical Activity?

Answer 15

• 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

Question 16

What are Practical Implications of Health Professionals, Coaches, and Physical Educators?

Answer 16

• 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

Question 17

Practical Implications of Health Professionals, Coaches, Educators

What is Cognitive-behavioural therapy?

Answer 17

Problem-based and action-oriented approach to address dysfunctional emotions, maladaptive behaviours, and cognitions

• Delivered by trained therapists

Question 18

What is Self-compassion?

Answer 18

Self-compassion involves offering nonjudgmental understanding and compassion to oneself

Question 19

What are the 3 components of Self- compassion?

Answer 19

1. Self-kindness
2. Common humanity
3. Mindfulness

Question 20

3 components of Self- Compassion

What is Self-kindness?

Answer 20

Being kind and understanding towards yourself (as opposed to being critical)

Question 21

3 components of Self- Compassion

What is Common humanity?

Answer 21

Everyone has similar experiences (as opposed to feeling like you are the only one going through this)

Question 22

3 components of Self-Compassion

What is Mindfulness?

Answer 22

Balance between acknowledging & getting caught up with negative emotions

Question 23

How can we Foster Body Self-Compassion?

Answer 23

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

Question 24

Practical Example 1:
Body Self-Compassion Break

Answer 24

Now, say to yourself:
1. This is a moment of suffering (this is mindfulness)
Other options include:
* This hurts.
* Ouch.
* This is stressful

Question 25

Practical Example 2:
Body Self-Compassion Break

Answer 25

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

Question 26

Practical Example 3:
Body Self-Compassion Break

Answer 26

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