Body Image

Body Image

By: Fallah Adi Wijayanti, NPM.0806457035

Student Faculty of Nursing Universitas Indonesia

I. Orientation

The concept of one’s body is central to the concept of self. The body is the most material and visible part of the self, and although it does not account for one’s entire sense of self, it remains a lifelong anchor for self-awareness. Humans are unique creatures that have the different body image. The human body is the selfs physical manifestation. A person’s attitude toward the body may mirror important aspect of identity. Therefore, in this task will explain about body image. This task is made with literature study and downloaded from the Internet.

II. Body

Body image is the sum of the conscious and unconscious attitudes a person has toward one’s own body. It includes present and past perception as well as fellings about physical attributes and characteristics, appearance, and performance. It is formed out of every experience you have ever had and all of the people around you - parents, role models, the media, and peers who give you an idea of what it is like to value your body. Body image is dynamic because it is constantly changing as new perceptions and experience are encountered in life. It is a target, or screen, on which the person projects significant personal feelings, anxieties, and values.

Culture and social experience influence body image. Western cultures, influenced by the media, value beauty, health, and youth. Other cultures value weight, or old age. As one’s body image developes, extensions of the body become important. Clothes become identified closely with the body, and in the same way toys, tools, money, and possessions serve as extensions of the body. Body image, appearance, and positive self-concept are related.

Nursing assessment of the individual body image begins with an understanding of some components, they are:

a. Actual, Measurable State: individual’s actual, measurable traits or characteristic, including height, weight, age, hair and eye color, muscle strength, body build, and structural components of the body.

b. Perception of Self: physiologic, and psychosocial characteristics. This perception is influenced by the individual’s actual state, the core body image, and any changes the individual perceives as occurring in self.

c. Ideal Self: individual has a picture of what he or she would like to look like. This ideal self is determined by what characteristic or traits the individual sees as important.

d. Perceptions of Family’s and/or Significant Others’ Views: how the individual perceives his family and/or significant others as seeing him or her, which may or may not reflect how they actually do see him or her. When the body image is intact, the views of the family or significant others are closely aligned with the individuals perceptions.

e. Perception of Society’s View: how the culture society views the person. This interaction is similar to the process which occurs with significant others. If the individual holds the same values as the society, society’s expectations are important to that individual and play a great part in how the person sees himself.

Ø Some questions useful in assessing body image:

a. How you see yourself when you look in the mirror or when you picture yourself in your mind.

b. What you believe about your own appearance (including your memories, assumptions, and generalizations).

c. How you feel about your body, including your height, shape, and weight.

d. How you sense and control your body as you move. How you feel in your body, not just about your body.

Body image influences behavior, self esteem, and our psyche. When we feel bad about our body, our satisfaction and mood plummets. If we are constantly trying to push, reshape or remake our bodies, our sense of self becomes unhealthy. We lose confidence in our abilities. It’s not uncommon for people who think poorly of their bodies to have problems in other areas of their lives, including sexuality, careers and relationships.

Body image is not only what you see when you look in the mirror, but also what you feel when you think about your body and how you feel in your body. If you feel ashamed, self-conscious and anxious about your body, then you have a negative body image. If you feel comfortable and confident in your body, you have a positive body image. There are some example negative body image and positive body image.

Negative Body Image	Positive body image
A distorted perception of your shape you perceive parts of your body unlike they really are.	A clear, true perception of your shape you see the various parts of your body as they really are.
You are convinced that only other people are attractive and that your body size or shape is a sign of personal failure.	You celebrate and appreciate your natural body shape and you understand that a person’s physical appearance says very little about their character and value as a person.
You feel ashamed, self-conscious, and anxious about your body.	You feel proud and accepting of your unique body and refuse to spend an unreasonable amount of time worrying about food, weight, and calories.
You feel uncomfortable and awkward in your body.	You feel comfortable and confident in your body.

Studies indicate that the more a person accepts and likes his or her own body, the more secure and free from anxiety he or she feels. It also has been shown that people who accept their bodies are more likely to have high self-esteem than people who dislike their bodies.

How To Develop Positive Body Image

People with negative body image have a greater likelihood more likely to feelings of depression, isolation, low self-esteem, and obsessions with weight loss. We all may have our days when we feel awkward or uncomfortable in our bodies, but the key to developing positive body image is to recognize and respect our natural shape and learn to overpower. Some guidelines that can help you work toward a positive body image (Adapted from BodyLove: Learning to Like Our Looks and Ourselves, Rita Freeman, Ph.D.):

1. Listen to your body. Eat when you are hungry.

2. Be realistic about the size you are likely to be based on your genetic and environmental history.

3. Exercise regularly in an enjoyable way, regardless of size.

4. Expect normal weekly and monthly changes in weight and shape.

5. Work towards self acceptance and self forgiveness- be gentle with yourself.

6. Ask for support and encouragement from friends and family when life is stressful.

7. Decide how you wish to spend your energy -- pursuing the "perfect body image" or enjoying family, friends, school and, most importantly, life.

We must have attention, appreciation, and acceptance. Attention refers to listening for and responding to internal cues, example: hunger, satiety, and fatigue. Appreciation refers to appreciating the pleasures your body can provide. Acceptance refers to accepting what is instead of longing for what is not.

III. Conclusion

In my conclusion, body image refers to a person’s mental picture of and attitudes about his or her body. It includes physical attributes and characteristics, appearance, and performance. It is formed out of every experience you have ever had and all of the people around you . Body image influences behavior, self esteem, and our psyche. Body image can positive and negative. Therefore, we must attention, appreciation, and acceptance our body image to develop positive body image.

IV. References

Brill, E.L. & Kilts, D.F. (1998). Foundation of nursing. New York: Applenton Century Crofts.

Craven, R.F., and Hirnle, C.J. (2007). Fundamental of nursing: Human health and function. Fifth edition. Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins

Kozier, B., Erb, Berman, AJ. & Snyder. (2004). Fundamental of nursing: Concepts, process, and practice. Seventh Edition. New Jersey : Pearson Education. Inc.

Lightstone, Judy. Body image. http://parentingteens.about.com/cs/bodyimage/a/bodyimage.htm diunduh pada 05 Februari 2010.

Lightstone, Judy. Body image. http://www.psychotherapist.org/Index_archives_bodyimage.htm diunduh pada 05 Februari 2010.

Potter, P.A. & Perry, A.G. (2005). Fundamental of Nursing : concepts, process, and practice. Sixth Edition. St. Louis : Mosby.

Stuart, G.W. & Laraia, M.T. (2005) Principles and practice of psychiatric nursing. 8^thed. St.Louis: Mosby Year Book.