Towards a Comprehensive Understanding of Body Image: Integrating Positive Body Image, Embodiment and Self-Compassion

Abstract

Body image (BI) disturbance is a relevant factor in the etiology and treatment of eating disorders (ED). Although progress has been made in recent decades in understanding BI and its relationship with ED, the efficacy of BI disturbance prevention and intervention programs is still limited. In order to reach deeper understanding of BI disturbance and clarify the interactions between some protective and risk factors related to this construct, we carried out a literature review on some specific BI-related factors that so far have been analyzed independently. We specifically examined positive and negative BI; embodiment and its role in the development of positive and negative BI; and self-compassion as a protective factor that promotes positive embodiment (vs. disembodiment) and protection against body shame. We conclude that integrating the available evidence on these factors into BI models may be used to enhance our understanding of BI and improve the efficacy of prevention and intervention programs to help fight negative BI (by reducing body shame and disembodiment) and promote positive BI (by increasing self-compassion and positive embodiment).

The mediating effect of coping styles between self-compassion and body image disturbance in young breast cancer survivors: A cross-sectional study

“…Our correlation analysis found that the self-compassion of young BCS was directly and negatively associated with BID, which supported the hypothesis H1. This result con rms previous studies' ndings regarding the association of increasing self-compassion with less BID [11,13,37]. Young BCS view changes in their appearance and function as a part of their suffering.…”

“…For example, BCS are more likely to avoid situations that highlight aspects of their physical appearance in order to protect themselves from embarrassment and low self-esteem [22]. Although these coping styles can help individuals alleviate their negative emotions in the short term, in the long run, they can lead to dysfunction, making these individuals addicted to pain and failure, which aggravated their BID and associated psychological distress [24,37,39]. Germer et al [40] showed that training in self-compassion can reduce maladaptive coping and psychological distress.…”

“…Individuals with high levels of self-compassion are prone to practice self-kindness and be less selfcritical while avoiding excessive pursuits of perfection; thus, although there may be a gap between their physical appearance and the "ideal" body image, BCS are unlikely to resort to over-denial or debase themselves (e.g., make statements such as "I am a loser") [36]. Meanwhile, a sense of common humanity and mindfulness can prevent BCS from viewing their painful experiences in isolation and help them to practice appropriate emotional distancing from their painful conditions, accept the BID with self-forgiveness, and try to nd effective measures for changing their status quo positively [37]. Thus, a high levels of selfcompassion is an important resource for managing BID.…”

Yoga at Every Size: A Preliminary Evaluation of a Brief Online Size-Inclusive Yoga and Body Gratitude Journaling Intervention to Enhance Positive Embodiment in Higher Weight College Women

“…Researchers have recently shifted toward exploring positive body image in addition to negative body image, particularly within the contexts of prevention and treatment ( 1 , 2 ). Effective treatments have the potential to prevent the psychological distress associated with negative body image; however, research supporting the efficacy of various treatments in college-aged women is limited ( 3 ).…”

Body Appreciation as a Factor Associated with College Students’ Willingness to Receive Future COVID-19 Vaccines

“…Given that vaccinations are a health preventive measure designed to protect the physical body [13], willingness to be vaccinated may also be related to people's thoughts about, attitudes to, and perceptions of their body [14]. Previous studies have found that positive body-image attitudes reflecting body appreciation (i.e., acceptance, respect, protection, and love towards one's body), were associated with individuals' health-protective behaviors, including screening for cancer, sun protection, limiting amount of alcohol use, engagement in healthy eating practices, exercise frequency, the pursuit of medical attention when required, engagement in meditation, and use of appropriate oral health and sexual health behaviors [15][16][17].…”