Negative Body Image

Body image refers to the way in which one thinks and feels about his or her physical appearance. Negative body image is closely linked with low self esteem, eating disorders and depression. Positive body image, on the other hand, is associated with confidence and high self esteem.

People with low self-esteem are often not comfortable with who they are as a person. Their perceptions of themselves are largely based on how they believe other people might perceive them. This can cause preoccupation with one’s physical appearance, and lead to negative body image. Additionally, negative body image can further lower one’s self esteem, and serves as a maintenance factor that reinforces the negative body image.

Exposure to the “thin” ideal perpetuates dissatisfaction with body among women. With regards to men, the ideal “muscular” body leads to a negative body image, if men do not fit into the ideal.

History of being teased or abused due to size or weight, be it larger or smaller than the norm, often leads to the development of negative body image. At times even slight criticism may contribute to dissatisfaction with one’s physical appearance.

Teenagers who look different from their peers often develop a negative body image. This may be because they have a larger frame, or their size or shape is different from their peers. Particularly during puberty, the body goes through numerous changes that make teenagers more conscious and aware of their bodies

Physical disabilities, be it one you are born with or one that occurs through your lifetime, can result in the development of a negative body image. This may be because one perceives his or her body as different from peers, or how it used to be.

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