Body Image Basics
Media, culture, family/friends, sports, doctors/medical providers, other mental/physical health conditions
What is body neutrality?
Removing appearance from self-worth; a mindset where you focus on what your body does rather than how it looks, choosing to accept your body without loving or hating it.
Define body checking.
True or False: There is only body negativity and body positivity.
False
True/False: Body Neutrality means you never have a negative body image day.
False
What is the harm in body checking?
It keeps focus on the way your body looks, contributes to ED behaviors, drives comparison
Why does body image matter?
Influences self-worth and self-perception, leads to development of EDs, influences how people view/treat others, shapes mental health and daily behavior
What are 3 ways to practice body neutrality?
Reframing negative thoughts to neutral thoughts, practicing body functionality, values work, respecting body with ADLs
What is the harm in body avoidance?
Missing out on memories/social interactions, avoiding pictures, creates more distress when you do see your body, ignoring negative body thoughts doesn't make them go away
Name 3 ways to improve body image.
Realistic and positive self-talk, identify root of body image messages received, avoid body checking behaviors, avoid triggering social media content, positive affirmations, body respect
Reframe the following statement to a body neutral statement: My body is perfect just the way it is.
"My body doesn't have to be perfect for me to care about it." "My body is allowed to exist as is."
Why might someone continue body checking when it makes them feel worse?
Measure ED progress, validation, grounds the ED, compulsion/ritual
What is body image?
Perceptual: How you see and visually perceive your body's size, shape, and proportions, which can sometimes differ from reality.
Affective: How you feel about your body, involving emotional responses like pride, shame, comfort, or anxiety.
Cognitive: What you think and believe about your appearance, including personal standards and body satisfaction or dissatisfaction.
Behavioral: How you act based on your body image, such as choosing specific clothing, engaging in self-care, or practicing avoidance.
Identify 2 body neutral affirmations.
My body allows me to walk, I can care for my body regardless of emotions, I have value outside of appearance, I am more than a body, my body is the least interesting thing about me, my body allows me to make memories, I am my values.
Name 3 ways to avoid body checking.
Cover mirror, avoid triggering clothes, shower in dim light, cut size tag out of clothes, bring awareness to body checking, reduce time on social media, smash your scale