Negative Messages and Body Image

How Erroneous Belief Systems Negatively Impact Behavior and Outlook

Oct 24, 2009

Ruminating over body image and negative beliefs about one's size may be the mark of a growing unhealthy obsession, influencing the development of an eating disorder.

Look into the mirror. Too fat? Too thin? Too tall? Too short? Why the discontent? Is body image satisfaction and contentment beyond realization? Exploring, dissecting and critically evaluating information received internally and externally holds priceless clues pertinent to solving the mystery surrounding body image.

What is a Belief System?

There are many kinds of belief systems. The most basic definition is any set of information (and this information can be erroneous) that sets the foundation for the way humans view themselves, their world and their places/roles in life.

Definition of Beauty

According to Merriam-Webster's online dictionary, beauty is defined as, " the quality or aggregate of qualities in a person or thing that gives pleasure to the senses or pleasurably exalts the mind or spirit."

For as many people as there are living in the world, if each were asked what he/she thought was beautiful, it would hardly be reasonable that all would give the same answer.

U.S. Definition of Beauty

The U.S. media constantly bombards the public with images of svelte, youthful, slim feminine figures and young, muscular/hunk, male physiques. Thus, the message evidently sent is, "the only route to happiness, contentment, satisfaction and self-realization must be through physical appearance alone, and that physique must be perfect for male and female. Here's what perfection should/must look like." Consequently, it appears, the media knows what the perfect, physical appearance must be. The media decides what is pleasing to the senses and what is not.

One only has to tune into the daily soaps to see this message slamming the visual sense like a banging timpani or several very large brass bands would slam the sense of hearing. [1]

Thus, it would seem a reasonable or logical consequence that over time, anyone constantly viewing these kinds of media displays would question at some internal level just where he/she is placed on a continuum of success. Especially for young people, the media has a significant impact upon what they believe about themselves and what living successfully should look like, even if the message is deceitful. [2]

Eating Disorders and Body Image

It is no secret that obsession with body image and erroneous body imaging can impact the development of an eating disorder.[3] Thus, a belief system that is based upon wrong foundational information regarding what the attributes are contributing to success, can trap a person, female or male, into the bondage of some form of negative body obsession/negative body image. Consequently, the creation of an eating disorder to try to rectify the situation is a maladaptive form of coping with reality.

Confronting Negative, Erroneous Messages

Creating a list of negative, false information that has already been internalized and what is being received is the beginning of freedom from negative body obsession. What is an obsession? Merriam-Webster defines obsession as, " a persistent disturbing preoccupation with an often unreasonable idea or feeling; broadly : compelling motivation." [4]

Note to the reader: There is hope, and there is help available. Please seek professional assistance if any information is raising concern.

Sarah Maria, Love Your Body, Love Your Life, Adams Media, 57 Littlefield Street, Avon, Massachusetts, 2009, pgs. 1-34.

The copyright of the article Negative Messages and Body Image in Eating Disorders is owned by Jeannie Delahunt. Permission to republish Negative Messages and Body Image in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.