Body image is the term used to describe how we feel about how our body looks. It is the way we see our own bodies from an internal perspective. What we see of ourselves may be quite different from the objective perspectives of how others view us. The thoughts and feelings we have about our bodies can significantly impact how we function on a daily basis. If we view our appearance in a positive light, it can enhance our self-esteem, our ability to assert opinions and lead to greater life satisfaction.
A negative view of our bodies can create a general dissatisfaction with life. Poor body image can diminish self-esteem and leave us feeling inadequate, weak and damaged. Research is showing that a negative perception of the body is one of the first signs that eventually results in the development of eating disorders, even if they do not present until years later.
Several large scale surveys are showing that people are increasingly dissatisfied with their appearance. For instance, the number of women who experienced overall appearance dissatisfaction in 1972 was 23%, in 1985 was 38% and in 1996 was 56%. The number of men who experienced overall appearance dissatisfaction in 1972 was 15%, in 1985 was 34% and in 1996 was 43%. These results indicate that for both women and men, those dissatisfied with their bodies has more than doubled in a matter of 14 years. At this rate, its frightening to think about what the next 14 years might bring.
It is nearly impossible to talk to someone about their negative body image without the issue of "what others think" arising. When people express feeling self-conscious about anything, it is usually due to the concern about how others will view them. It only makes sense that as image has gained power in our society, there has been increased concern about how appearance will be evaluated by others. Some of these "others" are real people in our lives - friends, colleagues, parents, partners. However, just as often, these "others" whose evaluations we fear are complete strangers. Because we don't like our appearance and are hypersensitive about it, we assume each person we pass is making judgments about us.
Research findings indicate that there is a high level of agreement among people in evaluating the physical attractiveness of others. Children as young as three show agreement with adults when the attractiveness of their peers is rated. If children agree on who is and is not attractive, it is likely that they, like adults, may act diferently toward peers based on how they look.
In addition to this, there those who would be rated as attractive people by others even though they do not see themselves as such. Thus, the combination of how others see us and how we ourselves may determine the development of negative body image and why unhealthy attempts to improve appearance are undertaken with no regard for health risks.
More attention is being paid to how partners may influence negative body image. There is not enough research to offer any conclusions, but several ideas are being investigated to try and explain why a partner might support their loved ones body dissatisfaction. One idea is that reinforcing negative body image might help one person feel in control. The woman may feel more secure and in control in the relationship if the man feels badly about himself. In this case, there is less risk to the woman that the man will feel good enough about his appearance to seek attention from other women.
Another idea is that reinforcing negative body image may help remove fears that a partner will stop taking care of his or her appearance. For example, if the woman feels unattractive, she may actively keep trying to improve herself, so the man has some investment in seeing that she continues to feel unattractive. Then, he doesn't have to worry about her "letting herself go."
A third idea is that reinforcing negative body image may make a partner feel needed. If the man feels poorly about his body, he may require reassurance and acceptance from his partner. This gives the partner an important role to play in terms of boosting the man's self-esteem and feeling needed.
Not surprisingly, body image is a very complicated and multifaceted issue whether a person has an eating disorder or not. We all have an opinion about our bodies. It would benefit us all to find as in touch right with our bodies and stop ruminating about what we or "others" think is wrong with them.
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