ACTIVITy 1: what is your body image?
|
Understanding your current feelings about your body may help you to think about how your body image might be influencing your child’s attitudes towards their body. Reflect on the following statements and mark how often you agree with each one. Then add up your score to see what body image messages you may be conveying to your child.
Calculate your total score.
If you scored 16 - 24, you have a positive body image most of the time. That’s great! It would be really helpful for you to share your positive comments with your child too, so they can learn how to appreciate their body and be confident in the body they have.
If you scored 9 - 15, your body image may be a little bit positive and negative. You may feel confident about some aspects of your appearance, but not others. It can be hard to be positive about your body all the time, but whenever possible it would be beneficial to express your positive body image in front of your child and be mindful of limiting the times you may express criticism about your appearance.
If you scored 0 - 9, you may have a negative body image most of the time. It may be difficult for you to feel good about your body, but aim to find ways not to express your body dissatisfaction in front of your child, as your child may learn that bodies are to be disliked.
If you feel concerned for yourself after answering these questions, we encourage you to refer to the list of useful support services.
If you scored 16 - 24, you have a positive body image most of the time. That’s great! It would be really helpful for you to share your positive comments with your child too, so they can learn how to appreciate their body and be confident in the body they have.
If you scored 9 - 15, your body image may be a little bit positive and negative. You may feel confident about some aspects of your appearance, but not others. It can be hard to be positive about your body all the time, but whenever possible it would be beneficial to express your positive body image in front of your child and be mindful of limiting the times you may express criticism about your appearance.
If you scored 0 - 9, you may have a negative body image most of the time. It may be difficult for you to feel good about your body, but aim to find ways not to express your body dissatisfaction in front of your child, as your child may learn that bodies are to be disliked.
If you feel concerned for yourself after answering these questions, we encourage you to refer to the list of useful support services.
Adapted from Mendelson, Mendelson, & White (2001).
The Body Esteem Scale for Adolescents and Adults.
The Journal of Personality Assessment, 76, 90-106.
The Body Esteem Scale for Adolescents and Adults.
The Journal of Personality Assessment, 76, 90-106.