Body Image and Wellbeing: From a Social Psychology Perspective

Dear Colleagues,

Body image is a multidimensional construct encompassing both negative and positive dimensions. Negative body image is related to body dissatisfaction, while positive body image is related to body appreciation, body functionality appreciation, and body compassion. These dimensions are not opposite poles of the same continuum but coexist as distinct aspects of an individual’s relationship with their body.

Building on frameworks such as the Social Comparison Theory (Festinger, 1954), which highlights the drive to evaluate oneself against others, and the Objectification Theory (Fredrickson and Roberts, 1997), which emphasizes the internalization of an observer’s perspective on the body, scholars have demonstrated that body image perceptions emerge at the intersection of individual psychological factors and pervasive sociocultural influences.

Sociocultural influences—including media, social media, family, peers, and romantic partners—along with stereotypes, metastereotypes, prejudice, and gender roles significantly shape body image perceptions and attitudes. These influences often promote unattainable esthetic standards, contributing to body dissatisfaction and behaviors aimed at modifying physical appearance, such as restrictive eating or esthetic surgery. Conversely, perceiving acceptance from their significant others fosters positive body image and supports healthier eating patterns. Similarly, engagement in sports and physical activities can either enhance or undermine one’s body image, depending on whether the emphasis is placed on functionality or esthetic appeal.

Intersectional factors, including gender, age, and cultural background, further complicate body image experiences, underscoring the dynamic relationship between individual and societal factors. Understanding these factors is crucial for examining how body image impacts wellbeing, eating habits, and quality of life across diverse populations.

We invite authors to contribute to this Special Issue by submitting original research articles, validation studies, meta-analyses, and reviews that advance knowledge in this domain. Papers selected for this Special Issue will undergo rigorous peer review to ensure prompt and broad dissemination of research findings, innovations, and applications.

References:

1. Festinger, L. (1954). A Theory of Social Comparison Processes. Human Relations, 7, 117-140. https://doi.org/10.1177/001872675400700202.
2. Fredrickson, B. L., & Roberts, T. A. (1997). Objectification theory: Toward understanding women's lived experiences and mental health risks. Psychology of Women Quarterly, 21(2), 173-206. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1471-6402.1997.tb00108.x.

Dr. Cristian Di Gesto
Dr. Amanda Nerini
Dr. Camilla Matera
Dr. Giulia Rosa Policardo
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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• body image
• sociocultural influences
• esthetic surgery
• stereotypes and gender differences
• attitudes and behaviors
• eating habits
• pregnancy and postpartum period
• sport and physical activity
• intersectionality
• wellbeing
• quality of life