kroppsdissatisfaction

Body dissatisfaction, or kroppsdissatisfaction, is a negative evaluation of one’s body size, shape, or appearance. It reflects a perceived mismatch between the body and an internal or societal ideal, and it may occur at any weight. Although not a disorder in itself, it is a core aspect of body image disturbance and is associated with health risks.

Causes include sociocultural pressures to conform to thin or muscular ideals, media exposure, peer and family attitudes, and internalization of appearance standards. Puberty, weight stigma, perfectionism, and low mood can amplify dissatisfaction, which can persist across genders and ages.

Measurement and prevalence: Researchers use scales such as the Body Shape Questionnaire (BSQ) and the Body Dissatisfaction subscale of the Eating Disorder Inventory (EDI), along with figural rating tasks. Body dissatisfaction is especially common among adolescents but affects many people worldwide.

Consequences: It is linked to unhealthy weight control behaviors, avoidance of physical activity, social withdrawal, and disordered eating. It also correlates with depression, anxiety, and reduced quality of life.

Treatment and prevention: Interventions include cognitive-behavioral therapy, mindfulness- and acceptance-based approaches, and media-literacy programs aimed at reducing appearance fixation. For youth, family- and school-based programs can help. Prevention emphasizes diverse body representations and critical media literacy.

See also: body image, eating disorders, body dysmorphic disorder, media influence on body perception.