UNPACKING THE PHYSICAL SELF

physical self

how we see and evaluate our body — like height, weight, skin tone, hair type, and facial features.

body image

the mental picture or perception you have of your physical self that affects your emotions, confidence, and behavior.

positive body image

feeling confident and happy with your body as it is, without being pressured by society’s beauty standards.

negative body image

being overly critical of your looks, focusing on flaws, and feeling dissatisfied with your appearance.

self-esteem

your overall sense of worth, confidence, and how you value yourself; linked to how you view your body.

media representation

how media portrays certain body types as “ideal,” which can influence people’s perception of beauty and self-worth.

beauty standards

society’s definition of what is considered attractive or ideal; these differ among cultures (e.g., fair skin in the Philippines, slim body in Western cultures).

community and support

when people around you embrace body diversity and help promote confidence and acceptance of all body types.

importance of beauty

recognizing how beauty influences social relations, self-esteem, and even job opportunities.

social relations

how your confidence in appearance affects your interactions and connections with others.

body dysmorphic disorder (BDD)

a mental condition where someone is obsessed with small or imagined flaws in their appearance, leading to anxiety or avoidance.

anorexia nervosa

an eating disorder characterized by extreme weight loss and fear of gaining weight; the person may still see themselves as overweight.

bulimia nervosa

a cycle of binge eating followed by purging (vomiting or using laxatives) to prevent weight gain.

binge eating disorder (BED)

eating large amounts of food frequently, often to cope with stress or emotions, without purging afterward.

cultural influence

the impact of society, traditions, and media on how people view body image and beauty.

beauty and job opportunities

the idea that appearance can influence first impressions in work settings, though skills and professionalism are still more important.

body image issues

negative perceptions about one’s body that can lead to low self-esteem and mental health problems like eating disorders.

healthy self-perception

having a balanced view of your body and identity — feeling comfortable and confident with who you are.

self-acceptance

embracing your uniqueness and not comparing yourself to unrealistic beauty standards.