Body Image and Social Comparison: How Perceived Attractiveness Shapes Mental Health and Self-Esteem
Body image refers to a person’s perceptions, thoughts, and feelings about their physical appearance. It is not solely a visual judgment; it includes cognitive evaluations (e.g., “I look attractive”), emotional reactions (shame, pride, anxiety), and behavioral outcomes (avoidance, checking, reassurance seeking). In social contexts, body image is strongly influenced by social comparison processes, where individuals… Read More »