STRESS AND BODY IMAGELesson 3: Grade 11

DEALING WITH STRESSFUL SITUATIONS

Stress is the body’s normal physiological response to situations or stimuli perceived as “dangerous” to the body. Reactions to stress vary greatly.

Healthy lifestyle choices have a positive impact on our ability to cope with stress and to manage day to day activities. Everyone can learn skills to cope with stress

that contribute to optimal mental health.

ACTIVITY #1 Identify some feelings and biological changes that

stress can cause . You will be divided into 6 groups, and you need to respond

to the following question. 1) Situations that make me angry. 2) Situations that make me frustrated. 3) Situations that make me worry. 4) Situations that make me happy. 5) Situations that take allot of time. 6) Situations that take money.

What are the similarities, insights, or perceptions related to the ideas listed.

Positive stressors versus negative stressors.

NEGATIVE AND POSITIVE STRESS A certain level of stress is not always

bad. It can lead to optimal performance. To little stress can lead to low motivation.

Excessive stress can hamper performance and perceived abilities. To much is asked of us in to short of time. Unnecessary obstacles are put in the way

of achieving our goals.

NEGATIVE Negative Stress

Gets in the way of good judgement and fine motor control.

Competition seen as a threat.

Negative thinking Damaging self

confidence. Narrowing attention Mental energy

Negative Thinking A person who thinks

positively exhibits a higher level of skill.

They look at a new situation as a challenge instead of an obstacle.

Exercise is used as a primary stress-management strategy.

ACTIVITY #2 Complete the wellness survey to increase

your self awareness of stressful situations or behaviours you may encounter on a given day.

At the end of the survey, see what stands out for you, and respond to it. How can you improve in that area? www.mindyourmind.ca

This website will help you cope with stress better. It will give you some good ideas.

BODY IMAGE Linked to self-esteem

and self concept. Based mainly on a

persons past experiences.

These can be positive (athletic performance)

These can be negative (abuse or bullying)

Boys and girls may be concerned about body image.

One should not assume that a teenager who is heavier will have negative body image.

One should not assume that a teenager who is slim will be positive with their body image.

WHAT IS BODY IMAGE? Formed at an early age. Usually influenced by:

Parents, caregivers, peers, and life experiences. One must remember, every single body is

different because of genetics which influence: Facial features, body shape, height, and weight.

If every person ate the same thing and exercised the same, we would all look different.

What is the ideal body weight or healthy body?

WHAT IS THE IDEAL BODY WEIGHT? This is the weight that allows us to feel

strong and energetic and lets us lead a healthy life.

Someone with a healthy body has the energy to: Spend time with friends Participate in sports Concentrate on school or work.

ACTIVITY #3 Split off into four groups. In your

group, you will assign a recorder and a speaker.

Respond to a question that is assigned to you.1. How do I know what is a healthy weight

for me?2. What diet really works?3. What causes eating disorders?4. How can I help my friend who might have

an eating disorder?

STATS ON EATING DISORDERS IN CANADA A recent study showed that 27% of

Ontario girls aged 12-18 are engaged in disordered food and weight behaviour.

Eating disorders are now the third most chronic illness in adolescent girls.

Almost one in every two girls and almost one in every five boys in grade 10 either was on a diet or wanted to lost weight.

WHY?

STATS CON’T Approximately 3% of women will be affected

by and eating disorder during their lifetime. Factors believed to contribute to eating

disorders are: Biological and personal factors Societies image of the perfect body

Here are two examples of what advertising says is the perfect bodies.

Men and Women

HOW BIG IS THE BODY IMAGE PROBLEM?

Increases the risk for extreme body/weight control behaviours.

Increased preoccupation with appearance and body dissatisfaction. Increased risk for engaging in dangerous

practices to control weight and size. Can lead to more harmful behaviours and

even death. Increased risk for developing disordered eating

or and eating disorder.

POSITIVE AND NEGATIVE BODY IMAGE

People with +’ve body image exhibit: Self-confidence, energy,

vitality and positive self-appraisal.

Feelings of attractiveness and beauty.

Trust and respect for their bodies.

Freedom of expression with their bodies, not dependent on weight.

People with negative body image describe: Dissatisfaction with their

physical appearance. Belief that their appearance

is being scrutinized and evaluated by others.

Excessive emphasis on physical appearance in how they evaluate themselves.

Distressing preoccupation with their bodies.

Feelings of shame and/or embarrassment

POSITIVE BODY IMAGE We have a +’ve

body image when we have a realistic perception of our bodies.

Healthy bodies come in many shapes and sizes, meaning physical appearance means little about character or value.

A healthy body means that you keep our assessment of your body separate from your sense of self-esteem.

NEGATIVE BODY IMAGE BDD

Over-preoccupation with an “imagined” physical defect in appearance.

Usually nose, skin, or hair. Anxiety and/or depression Plastic surgery to “fix” the problem may occur.

Muscle Dysmorphia (bigorexia) Over-preoccupation with the perception or feeling

that one’s muscles are too small or too weak. Spend unrealistic amounts of time working out in the

gym, and yet they don’t feel “good enough”

FACTORS THAT AFFECT BODY IMAGE Standards set by society and the culture that

surrounds us. Comments from family, friends, and others about

our bodies, their bodies, and other people’s bodies. Self-esteem (view our bodies and evaluate

ourselves) History of abuse, teasing, life changes, and

physical changes that may be a result of puberty, medical problems, surgery or sport injuries.

Images of idealized versus normal bodies.-

EATING DISORDERS Negative body image and body dissatisfaction increase

risk. Anorexia or bulimia nervosa

Perceive themselves as being larger than they actually are. Increase in dieting behavior.

Depression, decreased self-confidence, increased feelings of anxiety, feelings of unattractiveness and persistent concern about weight.

People with negative body image may: Engage in excessive body checking. Camouflage their size and shape with loose and bulky clothing. Avoid social situations that trigger physical self-consciousness. Avoid exposing their bodies.

CAUSES OF EATING DISORDERSDirect Risk Factor Indirect Risk Factor

Biological Factor Gender, Metabolism, Appetite Regulation, Body Weight

Temperament, Impulsivity, Gender

Psychological Factors Poor body image, Eating attitudes, weight beliefs, over concern of appearance

Poor self image, Inadequate coping mechanisms, Unresolved conflicts, deficits, Identity problems

Developmental Factors People close to you have a disorder, trauma affecting bodily experience.

Overprotection, Neglect, Felt rejection and criticism

Social Factors Family attitude to eating, weight, Peer group attitude, Bodily insults and teasing.

Family dysfunction, Bad peer experiences, values assigned to gender, poor support network.

HOW DO EATING AND BODY IMAGE GO TOGETHER?

Eating disorders are internal conflicts about food and/or body size and shape.

Healthy eating behaviours are associated with feeling confident about body shape and size.

Disordered eating behaviours area associated with a preoccupation with appearance and an attempt to change body size through a focus on diets.

SYMPTOMS OF EATING DISORDERSSymptoms Eating Disorders

Anorexia Bulimia Binge Eating Disorder

Resistance to maintaining body weight or above minimal weight.

Recurrent episodes of binge eating, accompanied by inappropriate compensatory behaviour.

Binge eating without vomiting, exercise or laxatives.

Intense fear of becoming fat or gaining weight.

Self induced vomiting, use of laxatives, or excessive exercise

Eat to fill a void. Individuals are usually obese.

HOW CAN BODY IMAGE AFFECT PERSONAL HEALTH?

You will need a piece of paper for this following activity. Respond to the following questions:

How can body image affect personal health? To help you, look at the handout “Eating Issues and

Body Image Continuum” Where do you fit on the continuum? Why?

ACTIVITY #4 Respond to the following questions on a

piece of paper.1. What are three ways to boost body

image?2. How can you change your body type?3. If you know people who are always

comparing themselves to others in terms of appearance, what could you do or say to help?

4. How could participating in physical activity contribute to positive body image?

EXPOSURE TO MASS MEDIA AND WEIGHT CONCERNS

Girls between Grades 5-12 69% reported that

magazine pictures influence their idea of the perfect body shape.

47% reported wanting to lose weight because of magazine pictures.

Girls who were frequent readers of fashion magazines were two to three times more likely than infrequent readers.

To diet to lose weight because of a magazine article.

To exercise to lose weight because of a magazine article.

To feel that magazines influence what they believe is the ideal body shape.

ACTIVITY # 5 Answer one of the following

questions in your journal.1. What have you learned today?2. Is there a question that still lingers in

your mind that you need answered?