I don’t like my body 😕
7 min read
Louise halimi
Body dissatisfaction is a common yet emotionally distressing sentiment based on a negative perception of one's own physique, encompassing psychological and emotional dimensions. It is to be taken seriously as it can lead to severe mental health issues.
If you or someone you know is experiencing this emotional state, it is essential to understand the causes of this discomfort. Although a challenging process, it will help in finding the best solution for overcoming it.
Three major factors contribute to the development of a negative self-image
1. Sociocultural influences: media pressure and sociocultural norms can lead to negative body image. Unrealistic beauty standards, often promoted in advertising and social media, play a significant role (Grabe and al., 2008). According to Jiosta and al.'s study (2021), there is a link between the frequency of comparing oneself to others on social media and the level of body dissatisfaction.
2. Psychological factors : negative thoughts about the body often stem from psychological disorders. Low self-esteem, perfectionism, and comparative tendencies foster body dissatisfaction.
3. Adverse life experiences : illness, harassment, mockery, or negative comments about one's appearance can result in a degraded self-image. For example, young people with chronic illnesses speak less positively about their bodies than their healthy peers (M. Pinquart, 2013).
Three populations are more vulnerable to experiencing body dissatisfaction
1. Adolescents : this period of change can intensify insecurity related to physical appearance, making adolescents particularly susceptible to aesthetic standards' influence.
2. Young women : exposed to intense aesthetic pressures, they are at a higher risk. Research, such as that of Hargreaves and al. (2004), emphasizes the high prevalence of body dissatisfaction among young women.
3. Individuals with predisposition : those with family histories of eating disorders or mental health issues may be more sensitive.
This state of being has an impact on health
1. Mental health : research underscores the links between negative body image and symptoms of depression (Soares Filho, 2020). Body dissatisfaction can also lead to anxiety and severe eating disorders such as anorexia and bulimia.
2. Physical health : extreme behaviors to change the body (excessive exercise, dangerous diets, etc.) pose physical risks and can be highly detrimental. A study by Gonçalves and al. (2023) identifies a higher prevalence of risky health behaviors, including tobacco, alcohol, and drug use, among adolescents who report body...