Counseling Center
- Home Page
- Mission and Purpose
- Services
- Professional Staff
- Support Staff
- Helpful Links
- Upcoming Events & Presentations
Self-Help Information
Overcoming Negative Body Images
How often do you look in the mirror and say, "If I could just lose ten pounds, then I would be happy?" Unfortunately, the majority of American women and girls are dissatisfied with their bodies, and many take extreme measures in an attempt to change their bodies. For example, one study found that 63% of female participants identified weight as the key factor in determining how they felt about themselves-more important than family, school, or career. Other research suggests that 85% of all women are dissatisfied with their bodies and want to lose weight. Women and adolescent girls regard size, much like weight, as a definitive element of their identity. Some girls assume there is something wrong with their bodies when they cannot fit consistently into some "standard" size; others will reject a pair of jeans simply because they won't wear a particular size.
Although a large majority of women are displeased with their bodies, many women and girls experience extreme body image difficulties that can be part of more complicated problems. These extreme body image disturbances include body dysmorphic disorder, eating disorders and severe depression.
Click here to read article "Battling Our Bodies: Understanding and Overcoming Negative Body Images".
