What does body image refer to?

Body image refers to the subjective perception a person has of their physical appearance and how they feel about it. This encompasses not only the way individuals view their bodies but also the thoughts and emotions that arise regarding their appearance, including feelings of satisfaction, dissatisfaction, and the influence of external factors like media and peer feedback.

While aspects like physical fitness level, societal beauty standards, and overall health status can influence one's body image, they do not define it. Instead, body image is primarily focused on the individual's personal beliefs and feelings about their body, making the second option the most accurate representation of the concept. Individuals may have a positive or negative body image regardless of their fitness level, societal comparisons, or health conditions, emphasizing the emotional and cognitive components of how they perceive themselves.