Disturbed Body Image & Self

For this nursing care plan and management guide learn how to provide care for patients with body image disturbance and low self-esteem. Get to know the nursing assessment, interventions, goals, and nursing diagnosis for impairment in tissue integrity.

Body image refers to an individual’s perception and feelings about their own body, influenced by internal factors such as age, gender, and physical condition, as well as external factors like social and environmental influences. Disturbed body image can occur when societal values prioritize physical appearance and fitness, leading to a distorted perception of one’s own body. This disturbance often manifests through appearance management behaviors aimed at improving perceived body flaws. It is an integral part of self-concept. Body image disturbance is associated with various forms of psychopathology, including depression, anxiety, disordered eating, body dysmorphia, and post-traumatic stress symptoms (Stasik-O’Brien & Schmidt, 2018).

A person begins forming their perceptions of the body’s attractiveness, health, acceptability, and functionality in early childhood. This body image continues throughout the lifespan and receives feedback from peers, family members, and coaches. For example, a woman may experience body image disturbance during pregnancy. Physical changes associated with aging may result in body image disturbance for the older adult. Personality traits such as perfectionism and self-criticism can also affect the development of a negative internalized image of the body.

Appropriate care for distorted body image is a significant step to recovery. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, an approach where irrational thoughts are recognized, analyzed, and restructured to more rational self-talk, is frequently used in planning care to address body image disturbance.