Ruumiinkuvan

Ruumiinkuvan is a concept in Finnish psychology and education that refers to the three-dimensional mental representation of the human body image. It was introduced by Finnish developmental psychologist Leena Ala-Karikko in the 1970s as a way to describe the way people perceive and understand their physical appearance. According to Ala-Karikko's theory, the body image is composed of two components: the surface structure and the deep structure.

The surface structure refers to the physical attributes of the body, such as its shape and size, while the deep structure refers to the individual's inner feelings and self-perceptions of their body. Ala-Karikko argued that the body image is a dynamic and constantly changing concept that is shaped by various factors, including genetics, environment, and experiences. She believed that the body image is an important aspect of a person's overall identity and self-esteem.

Ruumiinkuvan has been applied in various fields, including education and psychology. It has been used to help individuals with body image issues, such as eating disorders and low self-esteem, to gain a better understanding of their own body image and develop more positive attitudes towards their bodies. The concept has also been used in educational settings to help children develop a healthy body image and self-awareness.

Ruumiinkuvan remains a relevant and important concept in Finnish psychology and education, offering a comprehensive understanding of the complex and multifaceted nature of human body image. Ala-Karikko's work has been widely recognized and has had a lasting impact on the field of body image research.