A Critical Analysis of Encouraging a Positive Self-Image and Self-Esteem

Surigao, Shane Missy G.

College of Nursing, University of Perpetual Help System - DALTA Molino Campus
Assoc. Prof. Donnies D. Bendicio, RPsy, RPm, CHRA

Have you ever wished you could change a physical aspect of yourself? Then you are not
by yourself. Many people are self-conscious about some aspect of their appearance. However,
dwelling on your dislikes might seriously damage your self-esteem. It is complicated and related
to discuss how the body affects one's sense of oneself and how culture affects one's body image
and self-esteem. The notion of beauty, which is frequently shaped by societal norms, has a
profound impact on how people view themselves. In this section, we'll examine these
relationships and stress how crucial beauty is to one's sense of self and self-worth.

Examining your own ideas, feelings, and behaviors is a process that might be involved in
unpacking the self. This is known as self-reflection. To learn more about yourself, you might
want to ask yourself questions concerning your motives, values, and beliefs.It can also be used to
describe the process of discovering your own personality, passions, and interests through
self-discovery. Finding ways to communicate who you really are might be a part of unpacking
the self. This can entail using writing, art, or other kinds of self-expression to convey your
emotions, ideas, and creative side. There are several ways to help the process of unpacking the
self, including journaling, introspection, counseling, meditation, and candid talks with reliable
people. A deeper connection with oneself, personal growth, and increased self-acceptance might
result from this self-discovery journey. People who have deconstructed themselves are more able
to comprehend their own desires, fears, and motives, which makes them more capable of making
wise decisions in life and feeling fulfilled. This budding self-consciousness may further become a
destructive tool for self-criticism and guilt. Emotional development plays a tremendous role in
the building of self-concept.

People prefer to have a good body image when they are content with the way they look.
This is linked to emotions of satisfaction, assurance, and self-acceptance. On the other hand, a
negative body image can result from dissatisfaction with one's physical appearance. This
unhappiness, which can lead to self-criticism, self-doubt, and anxiety, frequently results from
comparing oneself to society's standards of beauty. Teenagers are remarkably prone to body
dissatisfaction: research indicates that between 24 and 46 percent of teenage girls are unhappy
with their bodies.Body image disorders (BIDs) are more common in young people, especially in
adolescence, and are mostly related to body dissatisfaction and body distortion. During this time,
BIDs are a significant risk factor for the emergence, maintenance, and recurrence of eating
disorders (EDs), including binge eating disorder, bulimia nervosa, and anorexia nervosa.
Self-esteem problems can arise when people are exposed to airbrushed and idealized
representations of beauty on a regular basis, as this can cause a gap between how they see
themselves and how they think they should look.

Each and everyone should accept and value your individuality and embrace who you are.
Recognize that no one is flawless and that flaws are a necessary component of being human. To
stay present and lower your stress levels, try mindfulness and meditation practices. You can
cultivate a more positive self-perception and increase your self-awareness by engaging in these
activities. No matter how tiny, acknowledge and celebrate your victories. Maintaining a journal
of your accomplishments might help you be reminded of your potential. Encouraging positive
self-perceptions is a shared responsibility of society and people. By putting these suggestions
into practice, people can develop good self-perceptions and society can foster an atmosphere that
encourages positive body image and healthy self-esteem.

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