Abstract
Body image is a multidimensional construct that refers to a person's subjective appraisal of his or her own physical characteristics and qualities. Body image concerns are prevalent in a number of medical conditions and clinical populations (e.g., individuals with obesity, patients with cancer). In addition, several psychiatric disorders are associated with extreme disturbances in body image, including body dysmorphic disorder and eating disorders. Concerns over body image (e.g., body dissatisfaction) can also negatively affect psychosocial functioning, health behaviors, and overall quality of life. Positive body image, however, is an important buffer against mental health problems. This entry provides an overview of body image in the field of clinical health psychology, as well as risk factors and complications of body image concerns.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Title of host publication | The Wiley Encyclopedia of Health Psychology |
| Subtitle of host publication | Biological Bases of Health Behavior: Volume 1, The Social Bases of Health Behavior: Volume 2, Clinical Health Psychology and Behavioral Medicine: Volume 3, Special Issues in Health Psychology: Volume 4 |
| Publisher | wiley |
| Pages | V3:1-V3:8 |
| ISBN (Electronic) | 9781119057840 |
| ISBN (Print) | 9781119057833 |
| DOIs | |
| State | Published - 1 Jan 2020 |
Keywords
- body dissatisfaction
- body image
- eating disorders
- obesity