Body image is an important concept relative to psychosocial development. In dealing with body image issues, the nurse must do which of the following?

Question

a. Understand that skinny people always see themselves as thin.
b. Realize that body image is never asso-ciated with self-esteem.
c. Recognize that physical changes always lead to changes in body image.
d. Be aware that female adolescents more frequently struggle with issues than males.

Answer 1

D
The development of secondary sex characteristics and changes in body fat distribution has a tre-mendous impact on the self-concept of an adolescent. Female adolescents struggle more with body image issues than do their male counterparts. Body image depends only partly on the reality of the body. When physical changes occur, individuals may or may not incorporate these changes into their body image. For example, people who have experienced significant weight loss do not perceive themselves as thin and may still tell you there is still a "fat person" inside. Body image issues are often associated with negative self-concept and self-esteem.