Women who accept their imperfections have a positive body image

Women who accept and tolerate their bodily imperfections appear to have a more positive body image despite their high body mass index (BMI) and are better able to handle personal disappointments and s

By: Editorial Team | | Updated: November 20, 2014 8:40 pm

Women who accept and tolerate their bodily imperfections appear to have a more positive body image despite their high body mass index (BMI) and are better able to handle personal disappointments and setbacks in their daily lives, a research indicated. This self-compassion may protect girls and young women against unhealthy weight-control practices and eating disorders.

‘Women may experience a more positive body image and better eating habits if they approach disappointments and distress with kindness and the recognition that these struggles are a normal part of life,’ explained professor Allison Kelly from the department of psychology at the University of Waterloo.

The study gathered data from 153 female under-graduate students and used BMI calculations based on each participant’s self-reported height and weight. The research team administered a series of questionnaires assessing levels of self-compassion, self-esteem, body image and eating behaviour. ‘We found that regardless of their weight, women with higher self-compassion have better body image and fewer concerns about weight, body shape or eating,’ Kelly noted.

According to her, ‘there is something about a high level of acceptance and understanding of oneself that helps people not necessarily view their bodies more positively but rather acknowledge their bodies’ imperfections and be okay with them’. The study appears in the journal Body Image.

How to improve body image

If you find it hard to drop your conditions for considering yourself beautiful and sexy, try to pretend for a moment that you’ve already met those conditions and you are perfect exactly the way you are. Bask in that confidence and the permission to feel comfortable with your body just the way it is. Does it feel wrong? Unjustified? Arrogant?

See what comes up for you. For some women, doing this exercise allows them to identify messages about their body that they received from family members, relationship partners, or society in general. It can help clarify personal core beliefs about what is beautiful, sexy, and who decides. And most importantly, it is a powerful reminder that negative body beliefs can shift when you are willing to challenge your mind-set and the mirror.

Try this exercise: Stand in front of the mirror (or if you’re not comfortable with that, sit in a comfortable position). Pick a body part you don’t like and try to think for a few moments about positive things about that body part. For example; if you don’t like your butt, concentrate on thinking about positive things your butt does for you, such as providing a cushion to sit. Focus on that feeling of gratitude and remind yourself that you are more than just your body.

Developing a healthy body image is no easy feat, but if you can practice gentleness with yourself and surround yourself with positive messages, you will become more comfortable in your own skin.

With inputs from ANI

Photo source: Getty images

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Published: September 30, 2014 6:04 pm | Updated:November 20, 2014 8:40 pm

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