What is body image?
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Have you ever stood in front of a mirror and felt a flurry of mixed emotions about what you see? Well, you’re not alone. This feeling is part of something much bigger, something we call body image. In simple terms, body image is how we see ourselves when we look in the mirror or when we picture ourselves in our minds. It encompasses what we believe about our appearance including our memories, assumptions, and generalisations. Teenagers often feel like they are sailing through a stormy sea when it comes to body image.
Understanding and cultivating a healthy body image is crucial during these formative years, as it can significantly impact your self-esteem and overall wellbeing.
Understanding body image
Body image is not just about how we perceive our physical appearance but also how we feel about our bodies. It comprises two main components:
- Perceptual body image: how we see our body and how accurately we perceive our size and shape.
- Affective body image: our feelings about our body...
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