Abstract
Context: Body image is the subjective representation of one’s own body and has different component. Body dissatisfaction is linked to low self-esteem and unhealthy behaviors and it is recognized to be at the core of eating disorders psychopathology, therefore many studies search for its determinants. Family is the critical environment where early development and psychological maturation occur and family dynamics seem to play a significant role in body image development. Objective and methods: The scope of this mini-review is to offer a general understanding of the recent research on body image and family functioning. Papers from 2000 and 2017 were selected to represent the different areas of inquiry on the subject, mainly parental attitudes and attachment. Results and conclusion: Many studies seem to indicate a definite role for the relationships within the family in buffering negative environmental pressures and promoting body image satisfaction. Family interactions can have lasting effects on body image which are understood in attachment theory by mean of the internalization of stable working models. Treatment and prevention program for body image concern should emphasize the relevance of positive early interactions and the detrimental effect of the focus on idealized body standards.
Highlights
IntroductionBody image is the subjective representation of one’s own body and incorporates perceptual, cognitive, affective and behavioral components [1]
Body image is the subjective representation of one’s own body and incorporates perceptual, cognitive, affective and behavioral components [1].Body dissatisfaction is the negative subjective evaluation of one’s own physical appearance; it can be associated to an alteration in body perception but it is mainly in the domain of the cognitive/affective component of the construct of body image
The scope of this paper is to review the recent literature on family functioning and body image
Summary
Body image is the subjective representation of one’s own body and incorporates perceptual, cognitive, affective and behavioral components [1]. Body dissatisfaction is the negative subjective evaluation of one’s own physical appearance (comprising shape, weight, specific body parts); it can be associated to an alteration in body perception but it is mainly in the domain of the cognitive/affective component of the construct of body image. The relationships within the family are important contributors for the development of the self, especially at an early age, and part of this contribution can be evidenced in the role of familial dynamics in the development of body image satisfaction and dissatisfaction. Attachment assessment is a widely used instrument and it has been providing the theoretical framework to explore how early interaction within the family can contribute in developing issues with the body image More attention is paid in today psychiatry and psychoanalysis to the inextricable connection of the mind to the body
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