The importance of body image for the psychological health of young men and women: Counseling interventions

Abstract

Body image is considered a central aspect of the self and a factor influencing considerably people's psychological health. Recently an increasing number of research studies focus on body image because of its alleged association with eating disorders and the widespread prevalence of body dissatisfaction. Until recently negative body image was considered a problem which influences females much more than males, not only because men base their social status on other areas but also because the male pictures portrayed in the media were comparable with the average male. Nevertheless, today there is enough evidence that men have started to occupy themselves extensively with their body image and that body dissatisfaction is growing substantially among young males. Consequently, we could assume that there is a change from the view that body image is a characteristic female concern to the view that it is a central aspect of the psychological function of both men and women. The thin ideal for women and the muscular body ideal for men, as well as the degree to which young people feel satisfied with their bodies has consequences on their self-concept, self-esteem and their social behaviour, as well as their physical health. Therefore, it is important to understand the problems associated with body image not only for intervention efforts but for successful prevention as well.