Body Narcissism: Exploring the Link between Body Image and Self-Esteem
Abstract
This article explores the concept of body narcissism, a form of body image disturbance that is characterized by an individual’s preoccupation with their physical appearance. It reviews the research on body narcissism, examining its etiology, associated outcomes, and potential treatments. The review suggests that body narcissism is a complex concept that is shaped by multiple factors, including biological, psychological, and sociocultural influences. Additionally, body narcissism has been linked with a range of negative outcomes, including depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem. Finally, the extant literature provides promising treatment approaches for body narcissism, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy and body image therapy.
Introduction
Body image is a multifaceted phenomenon involving an individual’s perception, attitudes, and behaviors in relation to their physical appearance. It encompasses both objective physical characteristics, such as hair color and body size, as well as subjective aspects, such as perceived attractiveness and perceived physical ability (Cash, 2007). Body image is a dynamic construct, and how individuals perceive and respond to their bodies can vary across time and contexts (Cash, 2007). In recent years, a form of body image disturbance known as body narcissism has gained attention in the research literature. Body narcissism is defined as an excessive preoccupation with physical appearance and a belief that one’s body is superior to others (Thompson, Heinberg, & Tantleff-Dunn, 1999). This preoccupation leads to a range of maladaptive behaviors, such as engaging in excessive exercise, dieting, and body-focused rituals (Thompson et al., 1999).
In this article, we review the research on body narcissism, exploring its etiology, associated outcomes, and potential treatments. We begin by examining the concept of body narcissism, discussing its definition, measurement, and prevalence. We then examine the potential causes of body narcissism, including biological, psychological, and sociocultural influences. Next, we review the empirical literature linking body narcissism to a range of negative outcomes, including depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem. Finally, we discuss the available treatments for body narcissism, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy and body image therapy.
Definition, Measurement, and Prevalence
Body narcissism is a relatively new concept in the research literature, and its definition and measurement are still being refined. Thompson et al. (1999) define body narcissism as “an excessive preoccupation with physical appearance and a belief that one’s body is superior to others” (p. 637). This preoccupation is typically accompanied by a range of maladaptive behaviors, such as excessive dieting, exercise, and body-focused rituals (Thompson et al., 1999). Body narcissism has been conceptualized as a continuum, with individuals at the low end displaying only mild body preoccupation and those at the high end displaying more intense body preoccupation (Thompson et al., 1999).
The most widely used measure of body narcissism is the Body Esteem Scale (BES; Franzoi & Shields, 1984). The BES is a 40-item self-report measure that assesses an individual’s attitudes and beliefs about their physical appearance. The items are rated on a five-point Likert scale ranging from 1 (strongly disagree) to 5 (strongly agree). The BES has been found to have good reliability and validity (Franzoi & Shields, 1984).
The prevalence of body narcissism is unknown due to the relatively new nature of the concept. However, some studies have reported that body narcissism is more common among women than men (Thompson et al., 1999). Additionally, body narcissism appears to be especially common among adolescents and young adults, who may be particularly vulnerable to the sociocultural pressures to have a perfect body (Thompson et al., 1999).
Etiology
The etiology of body narcissism is complex and likely involves multiple factors, including biological, psychological, and sociocultural influences. From a biological perspective, research suggests that certain hormones, such as estrogen and testosterone, may be related to body narcissism (Thompson et al., 1999). Additionally, research suggests that certain genetic factors, such as the serotonin transporter gene, may also be linked to body narcissism (Thompson et al., 1999).
From a psychological perspective, research suggests that certain cognitive and emotional processes may be related to body narcissism. For example, individuals with body narcissism may be more likely to engage in self-critical thinking and have a negative self-view (Thompson et al., 1999). Additionally, research suggests that perfectionism, exaggerated self-consciousness, and a fear of failure may be related to body narcissism (Thompson et al., 1999).
Finally, from a sociocultural perspective, research suggests that media images of idealized physical appearance may be related to body narcissism (Thompson et al., 1999). Additionally, research suggests that peer pressure and social comparison may play a role in body narcissism (Thompson et al., 1999).
Associated Outcomes
Body narcissism has been linked to a range of negative outcomes, including decreased psychological well-being, physical health, and social functioning. For example, research suggests that body narcissism is associated with increased depression and anxiety (Thompson et al., 1999). Additionally, research suggests that body narcissism is associated with lower levels of self-esteem and body satisfaction (Thompson et al., 1999). Furthermore, research suggests that body narcissism is associated with increased physical health issues, such as eating disorders, muscle dysmorphia, and excessive exercise (Thompson et al., 1999). Finally, research suggests that body narcissism is associated with impaired social functioning, including difficulty forming and maintaining relationships (Thompson et al., 1999).
Treatment
The extant literature provides promising treatments for body narcissism. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) has been found to be an effective treatment for body narcissism. CBT focuses on identifying and changing maladaptive thoughts and behaviors related to body image (Thompson et al., 1999). Additionally, body image therapy has been found to be an effective treatment for body narcissism. Body image therapy focuses on helping individuals develop a more positive and realistic view of their bodies (Thompson et al., 1999).
Conclusion
This article reviewed the research on body narcissism, exploring its etiology, associated outcomes, and potential treatments. The review suggests that body narcissism is a complex concept that is shaped by multiple factors, including biological, psychological, and sociocultural influences. Additionally, body narcissism has been linked with a range of negative outcomes, including depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem. Finally, the extant literature provides promising treatment approaches for body narcissism, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy and body image therapy.
References
Cash, T. F. (2007). The psychology of physical appearance: Aesthetics, attributes, and images. In T. F. Cash & T. Pruzinsky (Eds.), Body image: A handbook of theory, research, and clinical practice (pp. 3-12). New York: Guilford Press.
Franzoi, S. L., & Shields, S. A. (1984). The body esteem scale: Multidimensional structure and sex differences in a college population. Journal of Personality Assessment, 48(3), 173-178.
Thompson, J. K., Heinberg, L. J., & Tantleff-Dunn, S. (1999). Exacting beauty: Theory, assessment, and treatment of body image disturbance. Washington, DC: American Psychological Association.