Visions Journal

A reminder that this article from our magazine Visions was published more than 1 year ago. It is here for reference only. Some information in it may no longer be current. It also represents the point of the view of the author only. See the author box at the bottom of the article for more about the contributor.

Body Image

 

PDF | Vol. 12, No. 1 (2016)

What do you think when you picture yourself in your mind or look at yourself in a mirror? It’s almost expected that we find something wrong with ourselves. In fact, many studies find that the people who are very satisfied with the way they look are a small minority. How we feel about the way we look has an enormous impact on self-esteem, behaviours, and mental health. Many writers in the issue discuss the role of the media and social pressures to look a certain way, as well as gender norms, body image, and weight. At times, rejecting thinness as an ideal body shape and celebrating bodies for what they can do is an act of radical, public defiance against unrealistic and unhealthy expectations. At other times, loving how you look may mean quietly embracing your past and present in order to live fully and nurturing your self-esteem. There are many different perspectives and experiences when it comes to body image and many different pressures and expectations, but a common message in this issue rises above: everybody has value and differences should be celebrated.

Background

Experiences and Perspectives

Alternatives and Approaches

Resources

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