Body image and presentation of the self

 

Even if I normally write fiction, in this occasion I could not resist the call of my professional background and  write something more academic about the body image, especially after the work I did on the belly. Before diving into more scientific considerations, I can’t resist to advise you that if you want to laugh and read something funny, imaginative, fictional about body image, just go and read the belly. You will not regret it.

Beyond the Mirror: A Multidimensional Exploration of Body Image in the Social Media Era

in this section I would like to discuss body image from clinical, cultural, and media perspectives, using Goffman's theories to contextualize the performance of self-identity in the digital age. It critiques the limited historical view in current studies, asserting body image's deeper societal roots beyond social media. Upcoming reviews will address the correlation between online presence and body image disorders, providing a nuanced understanding of the topic.

If you want to explore the popular themes on the field, these are the areas where you should be looking at:

 
Clinical and Weight-Related Issues: This theme explores the psychological and health aspects related to body weight and its impact on individuals' lives. Literature might delve into personal narratives about struggles with weight, societal pressures to conform to certain body standards, and the clinical side of weight management and eating disorders.

Body Image and Disordered Eating: Closely linked to the first, this theme often depicts the complex relationship between body image perceptions and the development of eating disorders. Stories may portray the internal battles with self-image, food, and the journey towards recovery or the challenges therein.

Positive Body Image and Objectification: A more recent and increasingly popular theme, positive body image literature focuses on narratives that promote self-acceptance and the celebration of diverse body types, moving away from objectifying portrayals and challenging harmful beauty standards.

Media Effects: The role of media in shaping and influencing body image is a significant theme. Literature in this area often critiques or reflects on how media representations of idealized bodies affect self-perception and societal expectations.

Ethnicity/Race: This theme covers how different ethnicities and races perceive and are affected by body image. It explores the unique pressures and cultural standards within various communities, as well as intersectional issues of race and body image​

 In this field it may be noticed that there are many studies that lack the historical and sociological understanding about body image even if there is an increasing body of research grounding its understanding of the observations in anthropological and sociological perspectives. However, there is an unwritten presumption that body image is a modern phenomenon linked to the growth of social media. It isn’t.

Perhaps a good point of theoretical departure is Erwing Goffman, who did not specifically study body image and wrote before the internet revolution and the appearance of online social media.  Erving Goffman's "The Presentation of Self in Everyday Life" posits that social interaction is akin to a performance, with individuals acting out roles on the 'social stage.' He asserts that in social contexts, we present a 'front' to project a desired image, influenced by the setting, our appearance, and our manner, which collectively constitute our social identity. This performance varies depending on the context, such as the workplace or school, where different 'fronts' are required to fit societal expectations or achieve personal objectives​^.

Goffman introduces the concept of 'impression management,' the strategic concealment of certain performance aspects to project an 'idealised image' of oneself. Performers must maintain 'expressive control' to manage how they are perceived, which can be challenging as unintended expressions ('giving off') can betray their constructed persona. To cope with the demands of maintaining a front, individuals have 'back-stage' areas where they can relax and be closer to their 'true-selves'​.

Goffman's theories provide a robust framework for understanding how modern social media platforms can influence individuals' self-perception and presentation, which is deeply intertwined with body image in contemporary society. The phenomenon of 'editing the self' online provides new avenues for researchers to explore body image issues within Goffman's dramaturgical analysis.

The implications of online self-presentation are further examined in terms of well-being and body image. Inauthentic self-presentation, often curated on social media platforms, is associated with negative effects on individuals' well-being, highlighting the psychological impact of maintaining a certain image in line with societal standards and expectations​.

Regarding this inauthentic presentation of themselves I am in the process of reviewing these body works, which I will review on a final version of this article, still under construction.

 

1. Social Media Use and Body Image Disorders: This study explores the association between social media use, body image disorders, and the prevalence of eating disorders (ED) in a teenage and young adult population. The findings are published in the journal Body Image, Volume 19, pages 37–43, 2016, and the article's DOI is 10.1016/j.bodyim.2016.08.007, which you can use to search for it in a library or online​¹​.
2. When Media Become the Mirror: A Meta-Analysis on Media and Body Image: This comprehensive meta-analysis examines the relationship between media of various forms and people's body image concerns and behavioral intentions. The study aggregated data from 127 studies and is a significant source for understanding the pervasive impact of media on body image​²​.
   
   

 Distorted Reflections: Unpacking Body Image in 'The Belly

The article explores body dysmorphic disorder (BDD)—an obsession with perceived physical flaws—and its treatment options, like cognitive-behavioral therapy. It critiques the portrayal of BDD in "The Belly," a surreal story about a man's sudden, bizarre bodily change, considering its impact on those with BDD and its metaphorical depiction of the disorder. The story's use as a therapeutic tool for addressing body shaming and promoting positive body image is also discussed, emphasizing surrealism's role in facilitating a detached examination of body image issues.

Clinical and Weight-Related Issues​

Body dysmorphic disorder and body image distortion (considerations for the story "the belly")

Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) is a mental health condition characterized by an obsessive focus on one or more perceived defects or flaws in physical appearance, which to others are either minor or not observable. Individuals with BDD often engage in behaviors to hide or fix the perceived flaw, may frequently seek reassurance, and can spend significant time scrutinizing their appearance. This concern can cause severe emotional distress and interfere with daily functioning.

The exact cause of BDD is not known, but it could be a combination of genetic predisposition, neurobiological factors such as abnormality in brain structure or neurotransmitters, environmental factors, and life experiences such as childhood trauma or societal pressure. BDD is often associated with other mental health disorders, such as anxiety and depression, and can lead to social isolation, difficulties at work or school, and an increased risk of suicide.

Treatment typically involves a combination of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), which helps patients recognize and change negative thoughts about their body image, and medication, particularly selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), which can help to reduce the obsessive and compulsive aspects of the disorder.
On a personal level I must say that I do not suffer at all of BDD, however I do feel unconfortable about my own growing belly. It inspired me to write the fictional story the belly that I commented at the begining and had this considerations regarding how some readers would see the story.

Reaction of Someone with Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD): The story "The Belly" could potentially be triggering for someone with BDD, as it centers around a sudden, dramatic change in physical appearance. The protagonist's obsessive focus on the sudden growth of the belly and the associated distress mirrors the preoccupation with perceived physical flaws that characterizes BDD. Such a reader might empathize deeply with the protagonist's initial shock and subsequent distress, possibly reinforcing their own anxieties about body changes. Additionally, the surreal development of the belly developing a mouth and voice might resonate with the intrusive, often irrational thoughts that individuals with BDD struggle with regarding their bodies. The obviously exagerated and surrealistic development of the story may help to detach themselves from the character in a humorous way.

Psychiatrist's Perspective on the Story: A psychiatrist might view this story as a symbolic representation of the internal conflict and dialogue that patients with BDD might experience. The belly's growth and its gaining of a voice could be interpreted as a metaphor for how the concerns about body image can grow and become an overwhelming part of a person's identity, dominating their thoughts and actions. The interaction with the belly could symbolize the struggle to control or silence these distressing body image thoughts. The story’s surreal nature and its exploration of identity and control might interest a psychiatrist for its artistic depiction of themes relevant to mental health, such as the loss of control over one's body and the concept of the self. However, a psychiatrist would likely also consider the potential impact of such a narrative on patients with BDD, and whether it might be used therapeutically or if it could be distressing. Of course the story may be of interest for a patient who is not likely to halucinate in the same way.

Body Image and Disordered Eating:​

Body shame and the belly

For someone who has experienced body shaming, the story "The Belly" might resonate on several levels:

Identification with the Character's Distress: The protagonist's shock and distress at the sudden, inexplicable change in their body might mirror feelings that a victim of body shaming may have felt when their body was criticized or when they felt their body didn't meet certain standards.

Reflection on the Absurdity of Body Focus: The absurdity of the belly growing and developing its own voice could highlight the sometimes irrational level of importance society places on specific body parts. This exaggeration might lead the reader to consider how disproportionate and distorted societal focus on body image can be.

Empathy with the Desire to Hide: The protagonist's attempt to hide the belly with large shirts and the subsequent unwanted attention could evoke empathy from someone who has tried to conceal their own body due to shame.

However, the reaction to this story can vary greatly depending on the individual's personal experiences and the context in which body shaming occurred. Some might find the story a humorous yet poignant commentary on the societal obsession with body image, potentially offering a new perspective on their experiences. For others, the story could be triggering, as it deals with unwanted body changes and public humiliation, which could bring back painful memories related to body shaming.

The story's fantastical elements might also provide a safe detachment for readers to explore feelings about body image and self-perception without directly confronting their personal experiences. In this way, the surreal narrative could encourage readers to think about the distortions of reality caused by body shaming and the psychological impact it can have.

Positive Body Image and Objectification:

​Positive body image strategies

For someone seeking positive body image strategies, "The Belly" might resonate in complex ways. On one hand, the character's shock and distress over their body's sudden change could evoke feelings of unease, as it reflects a struggle against an unwanted physical transformation. On the other hand, the surrealistic elements of the story, such as the belly developing a mouth and conversing, could provide a sense of detachment that allows for reflection without direct emotional involvement.

Potential Positive Resonance:

Metaphorical Distance: The surreal aspects can serve as a metaphor for exaggerated societal body standards, allowing readers to examine the absurdity of such expectations from a distance.

Exaggeration as a Mirror: The exaggeration might help readers see how disproportionate societal focus on body parts is and how it contributes to body image issues.

Humor as a Coping Mechanism: The humor present in the absurdity can also highlight the importance of not taking external judgments too seriously and finding levity amidst body image pressures.

Therapeutic Use:

Surrealism for Engagement: A therapist might use the story's surrealism to engage clients in discussions about body image in a way that feels less threatening and more imaginative.

Cognitive-Behavioral Techniques: It could be a springboard for cognitive-behavioral techniques, helping clients to identify and reframe distorted thoughts about their bodies.

Addressing Body Autonomy: The story could be used to talk about body autonomy and the importance of self-definition and self-acceptance.

Exploring Intrinsic Value: The narrative might prompt discussions on intrinsic value beyond physical appearance, emphasizing the multifaceted nature of self-worth.

The surrealistic atmosphere of the story indeed opens up a space for detached reflection. It allows individuals and therapists to explore the feelings associated with body image concerns without direct confrontation, using the story as a symbolic representation of internal struggles. This detachment can be a valuable tool in therapy, as it provides a safe way to process complex emotions and develop strategies for positive body image.

Media Effects on body image​

Media influence on body image

For someone interested in the influence of media on body image, the story "The Belly" could serve as an allegory for how external pressures and ideals can profoundly affect one’s self-perception and sense of reality. Here’s how they might use the story:

Examination of Unrealistic Standards: The abrupt and unnatural change in the protagonist's body could represent the unrealistic and often sudden shifts in body image ideals promoted by the media.

Narrative on Internalization: The character’s reaction to the belly’s growth and the subsequent actions to hide it or seek normalcy mirror how individuals may internalize media standards and go to great lengths to conform to them, even to the point of absurdity.

Discussion of Body Autonomy vs. External Voices: The belly developing its own voice could symbolize how external voices (media, societal expectations) can sometimes overshadow one's own voice and agency regarding their body image.

Impact of Visibility and Exposure: The protagonist's need to cover up the belly and the belly's demand to be seen and heard could be used to discuss the media's role in dictating which bodies are seen and heard and which are not.

Reflection on Public Perception: The public’s reaction to the protagonist’s belly in the story highlights how public perception is influenced by visible traits and how people react to deviations from the norm, often fueled by media portrayals.

Humor as a Tool to Critique Media: The humor in the story can be a powerful tool to critique the sometimes ridiculous nature of media influence on body image, offering a way to laugh at the extremes to which society can go.

In a broader context, someone could use the surrealistic elements of the story to encourage critical thinking about the media's role in shaping body image and to advocate for media literacy as a means to empower individuals to critically engage with the messages they receive about their bodies. The story can also spark discussions about the need for diverse representations in media to counteract narrow standards that contribute to body dissatisfaction.

Further online readings on body image

 Additionally, for each popular theme regarding body image, here are recommendations for websites with serious information:

Clinical and Weight-Related Issues: The National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) website - https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org

Body Image and Disordered Eating: The Eating Disorder Hope website - https://www.eatingdisorderhope.com

Positive Body Image and Objectification: The Body Positive website - https://www.thebodypositive.org

Media Effects: The Center for Eating Disorders website has a section on Media & Body Image - https://eatingdisorder.org

Ethnicity/Race: The Be Real Campaign website - https://www.berealcampaign.co.uk

this article is under construction and I can't stress hardly enough that i very much welcome comments.