Body Image and Eating Disorders

Sample Lesson - Introduction

Lesson 1.01: Body Image, More or Less Defined

See? Even painted figures wake up on the wrong side of the bed.
(Source)

What do you think when you look in the mirror? How does that reflection compare to the image you see when you picture your appearance? Do you picture yourself as a charming party host simultaneously breakdancing, DJ-ing, and serving nacho dip to your guests, all while maintaining a killer hair day?

Or is that just us? Awkward…

Body image not only includes how you look, but also how you feel about your looks. People can have a positive or negative body image (or fall somewhere in between). Positive body image is associated with good feelings about yourself overall, and negative body image with bad feelings overall. In this lesson we'll take a look at how body image develops throughout childhood and how a negative body image can lead to the onset of eating disorders.

The material in this lesson will help you better understand your own body image, and how to spot warning signs that you may be obsessing over a perceived flaw that nobody cares about in the least. Sometimes we're our own harshest critics, and sometimes that critical tone can get dangerously out of hand.

Sample Lesson - Reading

Reading 1.1.01: Lookin' Good, Good Lookin'

You're taking a body image course. So, uh, let's figure out what that means.

Let's kick off this course with a short reading that outlines the definition of body image. It also tells you what makes for a positive body image as compared to a negative one.

Next, read about the connection between body image and self-esteem. It turns out, the two are engaged in a long-term relationship. Where one goes, the other usually follows. Some days, they're astronauts launching into orbit (that's a good day). Other days, they're skydiving without a back-up parachute (that's an unstable day).

Once you've covered both readings and the video, you'll have a better idea of what body image is, and how its sometimes rocky relationship with self-esteem affects your mood. Body image is something we all form, and no one is immune to the often confusing and damaging signals that the media and advertisements send. So it's important that we know how our environment impacts the formation of body image in all of us.

Now that you have that foundational stuff down, you're ready to watch a TEDx talk by Carolyn Becker on the destructive impact of body dissatisfaction. The video offers a vivid depiction of body image and the effects of our environment on it. It introduces you to the topics that we'll be discussing throughout the entire class, so listen up and take notes on this handout.

The video gives us lots of insight (and reasons) for taking the bad energy associated with negative body image and channeling it towards more productive actions. Spending three hours a day searching for those elusive blackheads isn't exactly a good use of your time. Try dog-grooming instead.

Sample Lesson - Activity

Activity 1.01: A Common Conundrum

If we told you to picture someone with a negative body image, what would you come up with? A girl who hides her body in layers of too-big clothing? A guy who feels gangly, unathletic, and lonely? You might even imagine someone who goes to extreme, unhealthy measures to improve their physical appearance.

All these examples are accurate, but you may be missing an important point: everyone struggles with body image. At one point or another, even the most confident and happy people will dislike something about themselves or feel self-conscious. It's human nature.

In this activity, you will take a look at various examples of people (even Rihanna!) who struggle with body image. You'll also examine body image differences in girls and boys.

Step One:

To start, take notes on this worksheet as you peruse the sources below. You'll want a quick reference to the key points for when you're completing the assignment. Write down quotes that surprise you and tips you find helpful.

• Check out this discussion with Rihanna about her desire for a bigger booty. 
• Second is a video about body image and girls: messaging played out through makeup advertising and Twitter. 
• This Atlantic article showcases body image pressures for men—and how much of it can be related to an athletic physique. 

Why read stuff not pertaining to your own gender, you ask? Come on, this is a rare glimpse into how that other group operates. We don't have an instruction manual for you, but this lesson might be helpful in learning about how the media and societal expectations act on not just your gender group, but the others, too. Maybe you'll even find some common ground.

Step Two:

Using your notes, complete the summary table in the worksheet that describes the similarities and differences between body image in girls and boys. Here's a guide for what to include in each section:

General concept 

• Brief summary of body image as a general concept that can be applied to anyone 
• A quote that surprised you from either the Rihanna article or the weightlifting one

Body image and boys 

• Brief summary of body image and the issues associated with boys
• Two tips from the video for talking to parents about healthy body image

Body image and girls 

• Brief summary of body image and the issues associated with girls
• Two tips from the video for talking to parents about healthy body image

Each section should have between 250-300 words by the time you're through, and don't forget to briefly cite your sources for each quote or fact. You can upload your completed worksheet below.