How We See Our Bodies

           What Influences how we view our own bodies and the bodies of others? What basis do we use to judge? What basis do we use to be happy or dissatisfied with our bodies? There is a disorder in the DSM IV-TR called Body Dysmorphic Disorder, also known as BDD. It is defined as “a preoccupation with some imagined defect in appearance by someone who actually looks reasonably normal” (Abnormal Psychology, pg. 185). The presence of this disorder in our society serve to illustrate a point of how we see ourselves and others. We have a distorted basis for judging an attractive or fit body, and because of that we have created undue pain for ourselves. The warning signs for BDD include:

·         Constantly picking at the skin or touching the face

·         Spending excessive time trying to hide the perceived defect with clothing or makeup

·         Constantly comparing body parts to others and seeking reassurance

·         Having problems at work or school because of being overly self-conscious

·         Seeking out multiple dermatologists or plastic surgeons 

(http://www.everydayhealth.com/eating-disorders/distorted-perspective-of-body-dysmorphic-disorder.aspx)

Possible causes may be:

·         Having a close biological relative with body dysmorphic disorder

·         Being teased or bullied as a child

·         Low self-esteem

·         Having an anxious temperament 

(http://www.everydayhealth.com/eating-disorders/distorted-perspective-of-body-dysmorphic-disorder.aspx)

           However, there are two possible causes I would like to look at in detail, that is culture and gender. First, depending upon the culture and or sex of the person dealing with BDD, the definition will remain fairly static, but the presenting symptoms will be modified. Culture is the reason for this modification, for example in Western culture especially with, but not limited, to women there is an overwhelming concern with being thin. However we are seeing some change in this trend. Traditionally men have been expected to attain the "V" shape body type, and women the hourglass body shape. Both men and women are feeling the pressure to conform to an "I" body shape. Historically, people in our culture have struggled with BDD, but are dissatisfied with different body parts and shapes, and this is due to the fluctuating nature of idealized body types in our culture.
          These shapes are obviously not universal law of attractiveness since so many other cultures do not hold these same standards, for example the African-American community highly values a very curvaceous and voluptuous female figure. Other examples range from the Ugandans and Ethiopians inserting large disks into their lower lips to women in Burma wearing brass neck rings to lengthen their necks. And as I've said, these cultural values are subject to change.

           The second factor that influences how we see our bodies is gender. In Western culture when it comes to body image men usually focus on genitals, receding hairline, body building and muscle defects. As opposed to women who tend to focus on breasts, hips and waist size and who predominately develop eating disorders to fit into the mold. Gender like culture plays a significant role in how we perceive our bodies. 

Reference

 Barlow, David H. & Durand, V. Mark (2008).   Abnormal Psychology: An Integrated Approach, CengageNOW™