Body Shaming vs. Body Positivity: Exploring What Words Hurt and What Words Heal

Abstract

What can a health professional say to a bullied and body shamed child? This research elicited and categorized the words that were reported as being most memorably hurtful and helpful to 341 young people (79.5 percent female; average age 25.03 years) who had been body shamed. The most memorably hurtful comments generally involved either vivid comparisons or derogatory nicknames. Fortunately, the supportive words of health professionals, peers, and parents can heal. They include 1) reframing comments that redirect attention to positive features (such as feminine, healthy, etc.), 2) impact-related comments that emphasize how a physical feature influences or is admired by other people (such one's eyes or smile that "lights up the room"), and 3) identity-related comments that redefine one's physical identify or self-concept (such as striking or mesmerizing). Knowing the type of words that were helpful in healing can be useful to healthcare professionals as well as parents and peers.