BODY IMAGE - 

Mental Health &

Wellbeing @ St. Johns

Body image is the term used to describe the thoughts, feelings and attitudes we have about our bodies. They can be about our size, shape, skin complexion and colour, physical features and appearance. 

Why is positive body image important?

Australian young people describe body image as one of their top five personal concerns. It’s estimated about 28% of males and 35% of females ages 11-24 years are dissatisfied with their appearance.

Body image may be positive and include feelings of pleasure, satisfaction, appreciation and acceptance of our body. It could be negative and include feelings of unhappiness, dissatisfaction and criticism of how we look. Of course, it may also be somewhere in between at any given time.

Our body image is influenced by many factors such as our self-esteem and social/cultural factors, especially the extent to which a person feels pressured to conform to appearance ideals (for example, thin or muscular).

Having a positive body image helps children and young people feel good about themselves and supports their mental health and wellbeing.

People with a positive body image are more likely to think about what their body can do and do things they enjoy – playing sport, climbing trees or walking the dog – rather than focusing on how their body looks. They are also more likely to look after their body in otherways, such as eating a balanced diet and having a positive relationship with food.

Positive sense of self

Children and young people with a positive body image might not necessarily be satisfied with their appearance, but their self-worth is not defined nor determined by the size, shape or appearance of their body.

Instead, they concentrate on their personal strengths and qualities that are not appearance- based. This way of thinking supports healthy self- esteem and healthy lifestyle behaviours.

Negative thoughts can lead to increased vulnerability

It’s common for people of all genders, ages, ethnicities, abilities, body sizes and shapes to have negative thoughts and feelings about their appearance or be dissatisfied with the way their bodies look. Children and young people experiencing poor body image are more vulnerable to developing unhealthy behaviours associated with food and exercise.

Learn more in the Be You Fact Sheets about how learning communities can promote positive body image and understanding disordered eating.

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