PSYC 0310 - Body Image Disorders

Credits: 3

Over the last 50 years, an increasing emphasis on physical attractiveness, thinness, and body image has occurred, both nationally and globally, and the study of body image has become a subfield of study in psychology. Concurrently, the population has become heavier, more at risk for physical health difficulties, and there has been an increased awareness of psychosocial disturbances related to body image. This course will briefly review the history of body image scholarship and focus predominantly on a review of current research and assessment related to body image disturbances, with an introduction to intervention strategies at the individual, family, community, and larger systemic levels. The relationship between body image disturbances and eating disorders and/or body alterations will be discussed. Topics will include the image-related concerns of obsessiveness, obesity, self-injury, and the connection between sexual abuse and body image. Attention will also be given to prevention efforts aimed at alleviating the destructive psychosocial and physical consequences of living with body image disturbance.

Prerequisites: PSYC 0101

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