Body Positivity and Self-Acceptance

Study Notes

Improving Body Image

People with negative body image often hold extreme standards for attractiveness, which can lead to unrealistic expectations.
Unrealistic standards of beauty can be challenged by promoting body positivity and celebrating diverse body types.

"Attractiveness" Standards

Unrealistic "attractiveness" standards include:
- Being thin
- Feeling fat equals being fat
- Striving to be thin
- Presence of stretch marks means not being good enough
- Need for clear skin and perfect hair
- Need to punish oneself for not having perfect hair

Healthy Standards

Healthy standards promote self-acceptance and self-love, including:
- Being beautiful just the way you are
- Feeling fat does not equal being fat
- Loving your body at all times
- Stretch marks being a normal part of life
- Unique skin and hair being acceptable

Critically Viewing Media

To promote a positive body image, it's essential to:
- Limit time spent on media that promotes unrealistic beauty standards
- Choose media that celebrates diversity and promotes self-confidence
- Avoid media that makes you feel bad about yourself
- Be aware of digitally altered images and airbrushed models
- Ask questions about the media you consume, such as:
  - Are images retouched to present an unrealistic image?
  - Do models represent the average person?
  - Do organizations promote unrealistic body standards?

Health in the Media

Editing and airbrushing media images can present misleading and unrealistic beauty standards.
Some companies are moving away from altered images and promoting realistic beauty standards.
Examples of companies promoting realistic images include:
- Fashion magazines no longer altering face shapes of models
- US store brand banning photo manipulation
- Lingerie company featuring un-retouched models' freckles

Valuing Your Whole Self

Valuing your whole self can help improve body image, including:
- Focusing on what your body can do, not just its appearance
- Recognizing your strengths and good qualities
- Taking care of yourself through nutritious food, physical activity, and sleep
- Practicing self-compassion and self-acceptance

Negative Self-Talk

Negative self-talk can include:
- Criticizing your body
- Focusing on flaws
- Comparing yourself to others
Examples of negative self-talk include:
- "I'll never look like that influencer"
- "I hate my body"
- "I look so ugly in these photos"

Body Compassion

Practicing body compassion can help improve body image, including:
- Reframing negative thoughts into positive, accepting thoughts
- Focusing on what you like about yourself
- Practicing self-kindness and self-acceptance
Examples of body compassion include:
- "This is the body I was born with, and it's beautiful"
- "My favorite thing about my body today is my freckles"
- "I love my legs and where they can take me"

Avoiding Negative Influences

To avoid negative influences, it's essential to:
- Respond directly to hurtful comments
- Ignore negative comments
- Seek support from others
- Advocate for positive body image

Government Advocacy for Positive Body Image

Governments and organizations are taking steps to address unrealistic beauty standards, including:
- Spain and Italy requiring models to have a healthy BMI
- Israel banning the use of extremely thin models
- France requiring labeling of retouched photographs

Description

Learn to promote body positivity, challenge unrealistic beauty standards, and cultivate self-acceptance. Develop a positive body image by avoiding comparisons and fostering a culture of body inclusivity.