Positive Bodies: Loving the Skin You're In

Research tell us:

• 60% of women and 35% of men are dissatisfied with some part of their bodies.
• for youth aged 14 to 25 years old, body image is their number one concern - more important than family, friends and school.
• a negative body image can lead to anxiety and depression, affecting our self-esteem, gender identity, mood, level of sexual fulfilment and eating patterns.

Positive Bodies is designed to equip you with the skills, knowledge, and thinking to foster a positive body image in yourself and others. It is based on tried and tested CBT (cognitive behavioural therapy) principles and features real-life examples of those who have struggled but won their war against body image dissatisfaction and self-hatred. Appropriate for men and women of any age including adolescents and children, Positive Bodies can also assist parents, teachers and counsellors wanting to help others with body dissatisfaction issues. Helpful worksheets with activities are included along with information on the warning signs of eating disorders; tackling binge eating and fussy eaters; managing stress, anxiety and depression; being a positive role model; boosting self-esteem; and where to go to get additional help. If you've already started your journey towards a positive body image, practising the techniques and strategies in Positive Bodies will enhance the work you're already doing.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Goal setting
3. What is body image and what is its significance?
4. The development of a negative body image and overcoming it
5. Changing your behaviour to change feelings
6. Dealing with anxiety and body distress
7. Changing the way you think to change the way you feel
8. Stopping ritualistic body behaviours and eliminating fears
9. Eating disorders
10. Body image is just for girls? Real men: Real bodies
11. General health
12. Self-esteem building
13. Promoting positive body image in children
14. Love the skin you're in: Finishing up

Appendices: Work sheets and where to get additional help

References