Body Image Disturbance and Eating Disorders

The concept of body image is used in a range of different academic disciplines, ranging from social to neurosciences, yet consensus on its definition is lacking. Most definitions share the notion that one’s body image relates to one’s physical appearance, the psychological attributes regarding one’s physical appearance, and the social context in which one exists. Personal and societal norms of physical appearance, as well as psychological attributes, are largely gendered, and thus, body image is considered a key concept in the psychological well-being of trans individuals. Body image disturbances in trans individuals may be closely related to experienced gender incongruence or dysphoria or may be more generalized. A more generalized body image disturbance is often associated with poorer outcomes of gender-affirming medical treatments, as it ...