1-2 Activity: Lens Exploration
Department of Psychology, Southern New Hampshire University
IDS 402: Wellness
1-2 Activity: Lens Exploration
1. Describe your existing knowledge about your topic in wellness.
Body image is a prevalent wellness issue that resonates with many and will continue to be a
personal struggle for individuals around the globe, including myself. My understanding of this
subject is drawn from my life experiences, college education, and most prevalently, the media.
Body image encompasses an individual's perceptions, thoughts, and emotions regarding their
, body, encompassing both their appearance and physical capabilities. This construct is subject to a
plethora of influences such as personal experiences, societal norms, media portrayals,
interpersonal interactions, and so much more. Positive body image manifests as a profound
acceptance and admiration for one's body in its current state, whereas negative body image can
instigate feelings of discontent and emotional turmoil. In severe cases, negative body image may
precipitate detrimental behaviors such as disordered eating patterns or compulsive exercising.
Negative body image can begin at a very young age due to peer and social influences, bullying or
trauma, and images/information in the media that, more often than not, portray images of
unrealistic beauty standards. Body image is a multifaceted concept and what makes this topic
captivating is its intricate nature, deeply embedded in societal conventions yet enveloped in
substantial controversy from various perspectives.
2. Apply the history lens to your topic.
When viewed through a historical lens, body image reflects a dynamic interplay of cultural,
social, and individual factors across time. Throughout history, ideals of beauty and body
perception have evolved significantly, influenced by various cultural, religious, and
philosophical beliefs. For example, in ancient civilizations, such as Egypt and Greece, the human
10:59:18 -06:00
Department of Psychology, Southern New Hampshire University
IDS 402: Wellness
1-2 Activity: Lens Exploration
1. Describe your existing knowledge about your topic in wellness.
Body image is a prevalent wellness issue that resonates with many and will continue to be a
personal struggle for individuals around the globe, including myself. My understanding of this
subject is drawn from my life experiences, college education, and most prevalently, the media.
Body image encompasses an individual's perceptions, thoughts, and emotions regarding their
, body, encompassing both their appearance and physical capabilities. This construct is subject to a
plethora of influences such as personal experiences, societal norms, media portrayals,
interpersonal interactions, and so much more. Positive body image manifests as a profound
acceptance and admiration for one's body in its current state, whereas negative body image can
instigate feelings of discontent and emotional turmoil. In severe cases, negative body image may
precipitate detrimental behaviors such as disordered eating patterns or compulsive exercising.
Negative body image can begin at a very young age due to peer and social influences, bullying or
trauma, and images/information in the media that, more often than not, portray images of
unrealistic beauty standards. Body image is a multifaceted concept and what makes this topic
captivating is its intricate nature, deeply embedded in societal conventions yet enveloped in
substantial controversy from various perspectives.
2. Apply the history lens to your topic.
When viewed through a historical lens, body image reflects a dynamic interplay of cultural,
social, and individual factors across time. Throughout history, ideals of beauty and body
perception have evolved significantly, influenced by various cultural, religious, and
philosophical beliefs. For example, in ancient civilizations, such as Egypt and Greece, the human
10:59:18 -06:00
