Body Image Examples
Body image is defined as the way a person perceives their own body. It is shaped by a person’s upbringing, environment, belief system, and personal experiences.
Even though we live in our bodies every day, we don’t always know what it means to have a healthy perspective on them. This section explores real-life examples of how body image can manifest across different ages, genders, and cultural backgrounds. As you read, you may recognize yourself in these stories—and see that struggling with body image at times is a common and human.
Types of Body Image
Body image can be positive, negative, neutral, or distorted. While these definitions might sound familiar, here’s what they look like in everyday life:
Positive Body Image: You recognize your body’s strengths and treat it with appreciation and respect—even on tough days.
Example: Jane, in her 40s, sees an old photo from her 20s. Her shape has changed after having two children. While she sometimes misses her former figure, she feels proud of what her body has done—pregnancies, childbirth, parenting. She moves her body when she can, eats a variety of foods with her kids, and models body-positive language. On harder days, she chooses self-care to show respect for her body.
Negative Body Image: You often feel dissatisfied with your body’s appearance or abilities and may hide your body or avoid mirrors.
Example: John wishes he were more muscular. Despite working out and even trying steroids, he’s never achieved the look he believes others will admire. He avoids mirrors and delays dating until he “looks better,” even though he feels lonely and wants companionship now.
Neutral Body Image: You take a more objective stance—focusing on what your body does rather than how it looks.
Example: Jamie rarely thinks about their body unless something hurts. They care for their body when needed but don’t assign value to their appearance. Instead, they focus on activities like rock climbing or biking that make them feel strong and alive.
Distorted Body Image: Your perception of your body is significantly different from how others see you.
Example: Jen has always disliked her ears, convinced they stick out too far. She wears her hair down to hide them and dreams of surgery. Friends and family don’t notice the issue, but Jen fixates on it and believes fixing it is the key to happiness.
Body Image Across Life Stages
Your body image can evolve over time. A negative self-view today doesn't mean it can't improve. Life transitions, physical changes, and new experiences can shift your relationship with your body—for better or worse.
Childhood & Adolescence: This is a time of rapid development, where comparisons often begin. Puberty brings about physical changes—voice shifts, acne, hair growth, and changing body shapes—that can affect how kids and teens see themselves.
Example: Maria’s mom often comments on her own wide hips and diets frequently. After Maria begins puberty, a dance teacher remarks on her growing hips. Maria hadn’t noticed before but now feels ashamed and starts dieting, hoping to look more like a ballerina.
Young Adulthood: College and early adulthood bring independence, identity exploration, and shifting body expectations. Moving to new places or starting new activities can highlight appearance differences.
Example: Matthew played basketball in high school and felt confident in his body. In college, he struggled to match the muscular build of his teammates. A misguided attempt to bulk up resulted in weight gain, and a coach’s comments led him to feel shame, undermining his once-positive body image.
Adulthood: Adulthood brings physical shifts—whether from pregnancy, reduced activity, hormonal changes, or aging. Some adults develop more body acceptance over time by releasing unrealistic beauty standards.
Example: Melanie was taught that looking pretty and wearing makeup was key to finding a partner. After realizing she’s attracted to women, she starts showing up to dates authentically—without makeup and in comfortable clothes. She now feels more confident and content in her body than ever before.
Later Life: Aging brings visible and functional body changes. Societal pressure to "look young" can impact older adults’ body image, but many find peace by embracing their changing bodies.
Example: Marty worked as a contractor and took pride in his strength. Though he’s slowed down with age, he’s adapted—trading power tools for evening walks. He misses some capabilities but focuses on what he can do, appreciating the function of his aging body.
Cultural and Social Influences
Cultural norms heavily influence how people see themselves. In inclusive environments, individuals may feel more at ease in their bodies. In other cases, rigid standards around race, gender, or appearance create shame and disconnection.
Example: Hassan always felt more comfortable in feminine clothing. After moving to the U.S. for college, he began exploring drag and expressing his authentic self. When his parents visit, he hides this part of himself out of fear and shame. He avoids returning to his home country, knowing his identity wouldn’t be accepted.
Example: Halle is biracial—half white and half Japanese. She feels like she doesn’t belong anywhere: not white enough for her classmates, not Japanese enough for her half-siblings. Every grooming decision feels like a choice between cultures. She’s considered altering her appearance but feels guilty. Most days, she just wishes she could disappear.
These examples show that body image is shaped by countless factors—life stage, culture, identity, family, and personal experience. Just like we sometimes feel frustrated with the people we love, it’s possible to feel challenged by our bodies while still treating them with care.
Body image is fluid. It can improve, decline, and shift over time. No matter your current relationship with your body, healing is possible. Support is available, and you don’t have to navigate it alone.