Recently Madeleine, one of our physical therapists at Girl Fit, presented to the staff current research on body image and self compassion. We had a wonderful discussion about how we as healthcare providers can improve our knowledge around what body image is and how it can influence health thoughts and behaviors. We also talked about how we can help individuals practice self-compassion along the way, specifically with our younger patients.
First, some definitions…….
Body Image
Body image is a nonspecific, broad term that refers to a series of cognitive, affective, perceptual, and behavioral elements that describe the various ways in which individuals relate to their physical self. Body satisfaction or body dissatisfaction represents components of positive or negative perceptions of the body and often refers to the positive or negative evaluation of a person’s general appearance.
Several studies have shown that many children – aged as young as 5 years old – report dissatisfaction with their body!
- Some studies have valued the percentage of individuals reporting body dissatisfaction to be 10.8-82.5% of boys and 19.2-83.8% of girls. Even at the smaller end of these percentages, that is a lot!
The main indicator of children’s body change strategies was perceived pressure from parents, peers, and the media.
Moms play a highly influential role in the development of body image in children:
The woman as a mother is a key educational reference for her daughter in the development of a positive body image, and her attitudes toward her body affect the body dissatisfaction and eating behaviors of her daughter, as has been reported in the literature.
It has also been reported that adolescent children declared themselves to be affected by critical comments on their body and eating habits, or “fat-talk,” from their mothers.
In addition to the influence of parents, variables regarding themselves, such as approach to change, explained girls’ body dissatisfaction.
What is the harm?
Body dissatisfaction is associated with low self-esteem, anxiety, depression, and the risk of developing eating disorders and suicide in adolescence.
There is prospective, longitudinal evidence that adolescent body dissatisfaction, especially concerns about being or becoming fat, is related to the development of eating problems, eating disorders, and depression.
Children and adolescents that display concerns about becoming overweight often engage in eating less and exercising to lose weight, which are unhealthy behaviors, especially for anyone still growing!
How self compassion can help
In the research, self-compassion-related interventions produced a significant, medium reduction in self-criticism in comparison with control groups who did not work on self compassion.
Self compassion interventions can include:
- Unlocking natural, innate compassion → for example, asking yourself or someone you care about, “Would you speak about a friend like that?”
- Understanding why you or someone you care about is engaging in self criticism → working with a mental health professional is a great way to dig into this in a safe and supportive environment
- Practicing mindfulness
- Journaling
- Engaging consistently in self-care routines
Health at every size
Healthcare is a human right for people of all sizes, including those at the highest end of the size spectrum – this is one of our firm beliefs here at Girl Fit. We strive to create an environment that allows us to be thankful for what our bodies do for us rather than what they look like, and appreciate every milestone on the rehab journey.
Now you know why negative self talk is banned at Girl Fit!
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