Testkép

Testkép, or body image in Hungarian, refers to the perception, thoughts, and feelings a person has about their own body and its appearance. It comprises perceptual, cognitive, affective, and behavioral dimensions. The perceptual component concerns how accurately individuals perceive their body size and shape. The cognitive component includes beliefs and attitudes about attractiveness, worth, and body adequacy. The affective component covers feelings such as satisfaction or dissatisfaction, pride or shame related to appearance. The behavioral component involves actions connected to appearance, such as checking, dieting, or avoiding certain outfits.

Development and determinants of testkép begin in childhood and adolescence and are shaped by biological factors, family dynamics, peer interactions, cultural norms, and media exposure. Sociocultural ideals of thinness, muscularity, and gender norms contribute to body dissatisfaction for many people. Negative body image is associated with mood disorders, eating disorders, social withdrawal, and impaired functioning. Clinically, body dysmorphic disorder is characterized by excessive preoccupation with a perceived defect in appearance.

Measurement and approaches to testkép use interviews and self-report scales as well as figure rating methods to assess body image. Examples include figure rating scales, the Body Shape Questionnaire, and multidimensional measures such as the Multidimensional Body-Self Relations Questionnaire; specific tools vary by study and context. Interventions aim to reduce dissatisfaction and maladaptive behaviors and to improve functioning, with approaches including cognitive-behavioral therapy, mindfulness-based programs, media literacy, and psychoeducation.

In research and practice, testkép is treated as a facet of well-being and is studied with attention to diversity in age, gender identity, body size, race, and culture.