Tina, a 32 years old female has recently been hired as a Marketing Manager and was asked to present in front of a premium client. The next morning while getting ready for work, Tina changed her dress approximately 10 times to make sure that she looked her best, and with each change she asked her husband whether she matched everything well. The only thought that kept running in her head was “I am sure everyone must be thinking how ugly I look in these clothes. I pray that people don’t call me fat or make fun of me while I present.”
In the above example, Tina is experiencing Social Physique Anxiety (SPA).
Hart, Leary, and Rejeski in 1989, defined SPA as the feelings of anxiety that results from having one's physique (structure, body fat, muscle tone and body proportions), evaluated by others. One feels l inadequate in most of the situations of their life and social life becomes a struggle. Loving yourself and being confident about your body is one of the fundamentals of self-confidence. However, men and women across the globe have experienced a lot of anxiety related to their body image and have fought to overcome it.
Body image develops in early childhood itself. Children as young as 6 years of age are constantly comparing their physical bodies to their peers. Children have started dieting as early as the age of 7, and using as much make up as a teenager. Enrolments in gyms are at their peak with people aiming not for fit bodies, but for size zero. While women are looking for the hourglass image, men are aiming for abs and muscles. Aiming for something you like to be is not wrong, but pursuing a goal until it starts overwhelming you, with a constant message of, ‘I am not good enough’ definitely is harmful.
Social Physique Anxiety gives rise to eating disorders like bulimia, anorexia, and binge eating. These concerns are found across age groups. The most vulnerable age group would be teenagers and women in their late 40s who are most dissatisfied with their body image. Men on the other hand constantly struggle with the issues of body height and body fat across the age group of teens and late 20s.
The struggle is real. From trying a perfect exercise plan or falling prey to a diet fad, the pressure is immense. Not conforming to social beauty standards could make one struggle with low self- esteem and confidence issues. All this is on the rise due to the strong influence of media and society on individuals.
It is important that we all step up our game to good health and not plain good looks. Good health includes both mind and body. A few quick tips that might help you start working on your confidence right away or to identify where you need to start from.
What can help?
Re-evaluation of self-worth. Review how you evaluate yourself, and the parameters on which you base your self-worth.
Identify negative thoughts about yourself and work towards changing these.
Set realistic goals for your health and eat healthy.
Avoid offending media
Bring in a good routine
Be assertive
Have health buddies if you are trying to lose weight for good health
Be in groups, social circles which support positive body image
Seek support and talk it out
It takes one positive step to bring in the change you want to see. Don’t hesitate - support is available.
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If you would like to discuss this further or need some help or support in this or any other area, our counsellors would be happy to help.
Online Counselling
Place an online request for an Appointment
Call 1800-258-8999 / 1800-258-8121