The individual's schemas, emotions, thoughts and perceptions about his/her own body play an active role in the formation of this image.
In addition to these, the physical exercises and diets he does to interfere with his body measurements and weight contribute to the formation of the person's body image. . At the same time, body image is intertwined with the concept of self. Body image; It can be said that it covers all ideas and thoughts about personality, physical appearance and physical skills.
There are multiple factors that cause body image to have negative results.
Primarily peer groups, social environment, family relationships. and social media are some of them.
First of all, when we turn to social media today, an image is created that looking slim and wearing products of certain brands is equivalent to beauty and success. When looking at television, magazines and programs, a perfect, smooth, flawless, well-proportioned face and physique are constantly brought to mind. At the same time, advertising and program campaigns designed to encourage a perfect body image also support these images.
Such publications make individuals believe that they do not deserve their 'imperfect' bodies and that they can change this appearance, thus making the individual never feel like they are with their own body. It creates the image that they should not be satisfied and at peace.
When we look at the influence of peer groups, it is seen that peers play a very active role in a person's self-perception. The individual's body image is damaged or improved positively by the individual's active status in social life, the support of his friends, his acceptance or exclusion. Positive feedback that an individual receives in social environments contributes positively to the individual's self-perception and supports self-confidence and self-esteem.
Another situation in the formation of body image is that people are negatively viewed by their families about their bodies. They take turns in that direction. These criticisms can affect people greatly. Criticisms about an individual's body damage the individual's self-confidence regarding body perception and therefore their self-perception.
Body image is directed towards both women and men. Although it is a difficult situation, it creates effective pressure on women in general to be in the ideal body. This situation causes individuals to become more preoccupied with their weight, physical structure and how they look from the outside. When looked at from another perspective, it is observed that women are busy with "achieving the perfect physical structure" and make it the center of their lives.
Body image not only covers the individual and spiritual aspects of the person, but also has a sociological meaning in society. Self-confidence has an important place in the formation of body image.
Body image is thought to play an important role in the individual's understanding of himself. It is stated that people's body satisfaction is in line with how they feel about their own self.
It is stated in the statements that today, unfortunately, the physical appearance of the individual is at the center of all perceptions and labels. It is thought that all the conscious or unconscious thoughts that a person translates into his own body form the body image. However, it is stated in studies that people with a positive body image experience lower anxiety in human relations.
There is a very important relationship between dissatisfaction with body image and self-esteem and that body image It has been stated that it is not a separate formation but also an important part of self-esteem. It has been stated that a positive body image is associated with a high degree of self-esteem.
In order to perceive body image, it is necessary to distinguish certain concepts and understand the relationships between these concepts.
These concepts; It is the way of seeing oneself, self-esteem, body concept, body plan, body image and body image boundary.
Body image is not only about one's body. It is also related to the people in the society, their ideas, attitudes, attitudes and reactions towards the individual. Due to the family's attitude towards the individual, the individual may or may not be at peace with his or her own body. Clothes, makeup, accessories, jewelry as well as wheelchairs, crutches, etc. Tools such as walking sticks are also among the factors that create body image. Changes in body image also affect different aspects of life, such as changes in appearance and function, activities in the social environment, sexuality and the work environment.
As a result of all these situations, some men turn to irregular and inadequate nutrition in order to improve their muscle structure or become excessively physical. They are engaged in activities. At the same time, women exhibit wrong attitudes such as eating less, exercising too much, using herbal pills, and resorting to plastic surgery. Individuals compare themselves with other individuals and, as a result, experience problems in their behavior in society.
As a result of these negative emotions, the individual may express his dissatisfaction with some behaviors. For example; not looking at or touching a body part, hiding the part of the body that one is not happy with, staying away from social participation, excessive preoccupation with change or loss, shyness, shame, powerlessness, hopelessness, self-destruction (self-harm, humiliation, suicide, high level of self-importance).
As a result of increasing dissatisfaction with our body image, negative consequences such as eating disorders, anorexia nervosa, bulimia, decrease in self-esteem and lack of self-confidence and 'creating the perfect body image' can be observed.
If you think that your negative thoughts about your body perception are increasing, it is recommended that you receive psychotherapy.
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