Understanding Body Shaming: Its Definition and Psychological Effects
We all have different body shapes, sizes, and types. What makes us unique is what sets us apart from each other.
But what happens when someone negatively comments on our appearance? That’s when body shaming comes into play.
Simply put, body shaming is the act of humiliating or making someone feel ashamed of their body. It can come in different forms like preventing weight loss through unhealthy methods, criticizing one’s appearance, or using derogatory terms to describe someone’s body.
Body shaming is hurtful, and it can often lead to devastating psychological effects. The psychological effects of body shaming can be severe.
Low self-esteem, anxiety, exercise avoidance, disordered eating, and depression are common results of body shaming. People who experience body shaming may develop unhealthy habits such as binge eating, undereating, or purging.
It can also lead to long-term health issues such as cardiovascular problems or hormonal imbalance.
Types of Body Shaming
Body shaming is not limited to bullying from someone else. There’s also self-shaming.
This happens when you criticize or judge yourself based on unrealistic beauty standards or opinions of those around you. It can lead to self-hate, self-doubt, and can affect how you perceive yourself.
Dealing with a Spouse who Body Shames
There might come a time when you encounter a spouse who body shames you or someone else. It can be a difficult situation, especially if you’re in a long-term relationship.
Here are some tips on how to handle this situation.
Open Communication
Start by sharing your feelings. If your spouse is aware that they’ve hurt you, they might be more cautious with their words or actions.
Communication is key, so be open and honest with your feelings.
Explanation of Harmfulness
If your spouse doesn’t understand how their words or actions are affecting you, explain how it is hurting you/your relationship. Once they realize the damage they are causing, they might be motivated to make changes.
Setting Healthy Boundaries
Set boundaries for yourself and your partner. Don’t tolerate name-calling or emotional abuse.
You deserve respect, autonomy, and consequences should be in place if those boundaries are violated.
Critique or Concern?
There’s a thin line between a legitimate concern and criticism or projecting your own vulnerabilities. Ensure that your spouse is not projecting their insecurities on you.
Make sure to call them out if you feel they might be doing that.
Seeking Positive Support
If it becomes too much to bear, reach out to trusted friends and family for positive support. They can offer you comfort and guidance to navigate this tough time.
Seeking Professional Help
Consider couples therapy. A professional will be able to help you both navigate the effects of body shaming and help you come to a resolution.
Empathy Exercise
Try putting each other’s shoes on. Explain how words can be hurtful and their effects on mental health.
This exercise often convinces the offender to reconsider their words/actions and understand the consequences of their actions.
Requesting Changes
It’s essential to explain how toxicity can affect the relationship and request an immediate change. Ask your partner to stop and show them that body liberation goes a long way since it fosters mutual respect and trust without negativity.
Reconsidering Relationship
If the above fails and you’ve made multiple attempts to resolve your issues without validation, love, or care from your spouse, it might be time to reconsider your relationship. Our physical, emotional, and mental well-being are precious, and no relationship should deprive us of that.
Practicing Self-Love
In the end, regardless of the situation with your spouse, it’s essential to practice self-love. Body positivity and acceptance are great ways to appreciate your body and love yourself.
Surround yourself with positivity, and love your body with pride. In conclusion, body shaming is hurtful and can lead to severe psychological effects.
If you encounter body shaming from your spouse, communicate your feelings, seek positive support, and consider seeking professional help. Remember to set healthy boundaries, practice self-love, and surround yourself with positivity.
We all deserve love and respect regardless of our body shape, size, or type.
3) Examples and Targets of Body Shaming
Body shaming can take on many forms. Any negative and hurtful comment on someone’s appearance qualifies as body shaming.
Here are some examples:
Weight
Body shaming can occur when people are struggling with their weight. Weight is a sensitive topic for many.
People who are overweight are often teased, bullied, and made to feel less than their worth.
Muscularity
A muscular person can also be subject to body shaming.
They might be called “too bulky” or “too ripped.” These comments are not only negative and hurtful, but they can discourage people from embracing their fitness journeys and hinder their progress.
Skin Tone
People might be bullied or shamed based on their skin tone.
Racism rooted in colorism has become a pervasive issue globally. Nobody should be made to feel inferior because of their skin tone.
Physical Features
Body shaming can also come in the form of negative comments on someone’s physical features. Comments on height, hair, nose, or other features can cause deep emotional distress and internalized shame.
Attractiveness
Comments that suggest someone is not attractive enough can also be a form of body shaming. These comments are harmful, contribute to low self-esteem, and cause deep hurt.
Dressing
Body shaming is not limited to negative comments directed towards someone’s body but can extend to their dressing. People may mock, comment negatively, or even ridicule someone’s choice of clothing.
Terminology and Characteristics of Body Shamers
Knowing the terminology and characteristics of a body shamer can help understand and identify such behavior. Body shamers are individuals who engage in negatively commenting on someone’s appearance.
Body shamers can be strangers, acquaintances, or even in intimate relationships. Here are some common characteristics of body shamers:
Judgemental Comments
Body shamers are known for their negative comments and criticism.
They often make comments on physical attributes and judge others based on their appearance.
Love or Concern
Some body shamers may argue that their intentions are out of love or concern.
They argue that they want to help the person improve their appearance. In reality, using negative and hurtful comments is never an effective solution.
Irritation and Condescension
Body shamers often express irritation and condescension towards those who don’t fit into their beauty standards. They might make sarcastic comments, feel superior, or intimidate the person they’re speaking to.
Targets of Body Shaming
Anyone can be a victim of body shaming. There is no one body type, shape, or size that is exempt from negative comments.
However, some groups are more vulnerable to body shaming than others, including:
Average body
Even people who fit the “average” body type are not immune to body shaming. Comments like “you’re too skinny” or “you’re too fat” are common and can cause deep hurt.
Pregnant woman
Women who are pregnant often become targets of body shaming. People might comment on their weight gain, body shape, or overall appearance, which can be deeply distressing.
Unwanted comments
Body shaming can also come in the form of unwanted comments made by strangers or acquaintances. These comments can be unexpected, triggering emotional distress.
Implication
The implications of body shaming go beyond bruised egos. It can have a significant impact on mental and physical health.
Body shaming can lead to low self-esteem, anxiety, depression, eating disorders, and even suicidal ideation. It is important to recognize and reject body shaming when it occurs.
Dealing with body shaming involves empowering yourself, setting healthy boundaries, and knowing your worth. Understanding body shaming, seeking support, and practicing self-love go a long way in ensuring mental and physical health.
In cases where a spouse is a body shamer, open communication, explanation of harmfulness, and seeking professional help is essential. Reconsidering the relationship might also be necessary if no change occurs after multiple attempts.
The ultimate goal is growth and self-empowerment for the sake of our mental and physical wellbeing. In conclusion, body shaming is a hurtful and damaging practice.
It can cause a wide range of psychological effects, including low self-esteem, anxiety, depression, and disordered eating. Body shaming can take many forms, from negative comments about weight, skin tone, physical features, and even dressing.
It is important to understand the terminology and characteristics of body shamers, as well as how to deal with body shaming, especially when it involves a spouse. Body shaming can have significant implications for our mental and physical health, and it is vital to empower ourselves, set healthy boundaries, and practice self-love.
We all deserve respect and love, regardless of our body shape, size, or type.
