Risk and protective factors for eating, weight, and body image problems
How can you tell if a person's body image is POSITIVE OR NEGATIVE?
Here are some questions to ask:
- Am I comfortable in a wide variety of clothing or do I choose clothing that hides my body so I can look thinner or more muscular?
- Do I value myself with all my attributes or do I base my self-esteem primarily on my size, shape, or appearance?
- Do I accept my shape and size as they are genetically determined or do I feel anxiety about my body so that I:
-weigh myself frequently?
-am self-conscious if someone weighs more or less than me?
-think others are lying when they tell me I look good?
-exercise even when I am exhausted or in pain?
-either avoid mirrors or often check my appearance in mirrors or reflective surfaces?
-stay away from social events so my body won't be exposed to others?
-feel diminished when I look at magazines with pictures of models?
-constantly think about my body size or shape?
