Body image

Body image is a multifaceted construct which is central to an individual’s self-concept, and critical to mental health and general well-being. Given our increasingly appearance-focused culture, body image concerns are now reported by both women and men across the life span. This article examines the different components of body image and prevalence of body dissatisfaction, and provides examples of measures that have been developed to assess these constructs. It also examines the main factors that shape body image related to age and gender. The nature of programs to prevent body image problems, particularly at school and policy levels, is also discussed.