Body Image and Self-Perception

The Physical Self

• A crucial aspect of the self is a person's physical features, including face, body structure, height, and weight.
• People should also consider their physical abilities, perceived worth, and perception of beauty.
• Frequent questions are: Am I beautiful? Do people find me attractive? What can I do to enhance my features?

The Biological Blueprint

• Physical self extends beyond what is visually apparent.
• A dynamic system of biological and chemical processes (beneath the skin) contribute to physical features.
• These processes are driven by genetic transformations and biological development through heredity.
• Beauty begins when one decides to be themselves (Coco Chanel quote)

Self-Image Problem

• A self-image problem arises when appearance does not meet beauty standards.
• An example is believing attractive people are slim, leading to dissatisfaction if one is not slim (but not obese), even if others see them as attractive.

Body Image, Self-Esteem, and Societal Influence

• Society significantly influences body image and self-esteem.

• This influence impacts interactions, personal development, and perceptions of one's body as a reflection of self-worth.

• Body image is both internal (personal) and external (societal). It encompasses how one visually perceives their body, how they feel about their appearance, and their internal self-talk related to their body.

• How one looks has possibly never held as much societal importance or reflected so significantly on perceived self-worth .

Media Influence

• The media plays a powerful role in reinforcing cultural beliefs and projecting views on physical appearance.
• Individuals often unknowingly or knowingly validate and perpetuate these media-projected standards.
• Repeated exposure to idealized images of others can lead to a sense of discontent if individuals do not measure up.

Those Closest to Us - Family and Friends

• Individuals learn about important standards from those closest to them.
• Friendships are especially important; these relationships shape body image because of the values, shared experiences, and beliefs developed.

Building a Positive Body Image

• Positive body image involves understanding that attractive and healthy bodies come in many shapes and sizes.
• Physical appearance says little about character or personal value.
• Acceptance depends on individual development and self-acceptance.

Steps to Positive Body Image

• Talk back to media by challenging unrealistic portrayals of reality.
• De-emphasize numbers related to physical measurement or appearance.
• Recognize individual uniqueness and work with what is.
• Stop body comparisons with others
• Find ways to enjoy movement
• Develop healthy relationships with food, activity, and one's body
• Question the importance and impact of basing happiness on appearance.
• Broaden perspectives on health, perception, and beauty by exposure to cultures, arts, and history.
• Recognize that size prejudice is a form of discrimination and not an indicator of character, morality, intelligence, or success.

Discontent and Extreme Behaviors

• The greater the discontent with societal or media norms regarding physical appearance, the more negative one's body image can be which may increase the risk of extreme weight or body control behaviors.
• These behaviors may include extreme dieting, excessive exercise, eating disorders, unnecessary plastic surgery, and steroid use.

Blame and Perceptions

• Questions about whose fault negative body image might be, worthy of contemplation.
• Society influences our perceptions, positively or negatively.
• Today, societal ideals often include fashionably clad women with perfect skin or certain body shapes, often portrayed within various media, such as Instagram. This is recognized even in images of male bodies in the media.

Recognizing Unattainable Ideals

• We are often told that unattainable bodies are considered normal, desirable, and achievable.
• This can lead to dissatisfaction when individuals do not measure up.

Explore the complex relationship between physical self, beauty standards, and self-image in this quiz. It examines how our perceptions of attractiveness and physical features can impact our self-worth. Reflect on your own views and understand the biological influences on body image.