As we close off the month of love, we encourage you to take some time to reflect on the relationship that you have with yourself. This relationship not only influences your mental and emotional well-being but also affects your connections with others. Loving yourself entails believing you have something valuable to offer and recognizing your worth. By loving yourself, you can accept both your strengths and weaknesses, fostering a positive self-image and in turn boosting your self-esteem.
Self-image is defined as the personal view, or mental picture that we have of ourselves. It refers to how we see ourselves on a more global level, both internally and externally. It is shaped by personal experiences and internalized perceptions from others. Self-image can range from positive to negative, with a negative self-image often correlating with low self-esteem and diminished confidence. Our self-image is dynamic and ever-changing. Developing a positive self-image is therefore an ongoing lifetime process.
Self image vs. self esteem
While self-image and self-esteem are closely related, they are distinct concepts. Self-image refers to how we perceive ourselves, both internally and externally, whereas self-esteem refers to the overall evaluation of our worth and value as a person. Simply put, self-image is about how we see ourselves, whereas self-esteem is about how we feel about ourselves. It’s important to note that self-image has a lot to do with self-esteem. After all, how we see ourselves is a big contributing factor to how we feel about ourselves.
Having a negative self-image can certainly influence self-esteem, and having low self-esteem is likely to be accompanied by a negative self-image. Conversely, having a positive self-image can bolster self-esteem and contribute to feelings of self-worth and confidence.
How is self-image developed?
Self-image is a product of learning, a person’s self-image is developed over time and influenced by the life experiences they have encountered. Early childhood experiences and social interactions with parents/caregivers have a major influence on our self-image. Other factors that can cultivate the development of self-image include:
Cultural and Societal Norms
Culture has a profound influence on human behavior. It shapes our values, beliefs, and norms, which in turn guide our thoughts, feelings, and actions. Cultural and societal norms inevitably end up playing a pivotal role in shaping our self-image. Expectations regarding gender roles, body image, and success can influence how we perceive ourselves within the context of our culture. For instance, societal pressure to conform to certain beauty standards can impact one’s self-image, particularly if they do not fit the mold.
Social Comparisons
We often compare ourselves to others, whether consciously or unconsciously. People generally engage in either upward or downward comparisons. In upward comparisons, we compare ourselves with those we believe are better than us in some way while in in downward comparisons, we do the opposite.
According to some studies, as much as 10 percent of our thoughts involve comparisons of some kind. This can impact our self-image, especially if we perceive others as more successful or attractive, and is the fastest way to develop a negative self-image
Media Influence
Media portrayals of beauty standards and success can significantly influence how we see ourselves more so for teenagers and young adults. Unrealistic beauty ideals depicted in advertisements and the entertainment industry can distort our self-image and lead to the development of a negative self-image.
The constant exposure to images of seemingly perfect individuals can lead young people to develop unrealistic expectations about their own appearance and life achievements. Comparing oneself to these distorted representations can lead to feelings of inadequacy, lowered self-esteem, and even body dysmorphia.
Tips on developing a positive self-image
Having a self-image that is distorted or simply untrue, is harmful. When there’s a significant disparity between your self-image and reality, it can lead to severe emotional and psychological issues. In fact, there’s a recognized disorder that revolves around this distortion, known as Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD). For this reason, it’s important to learn how to develop a positive self-image.
A healthy and positive self-image starts with learning to accept and love ourselves. Developing a positive self-image is therefore an ongoing process that requires self-reflection, self-compassion, and practice. Here are some tips to help you cultivate a positive self-image:
- Practice Self-Compassion: Be kind and understanding towards yourself, especially during times of struggle or failure. Treat yourself with the same level of compassion that you would offer to a friend facing similar challenges.
- Refrain from comparison: Comparing yourself to others places you in a position in which you can never win and comparison often leads to unnecessary feelings of inadequacy. Instead, focus on your own progress and growth without measuring it against others. Recognize that everyone has their unique journey and circumstances.
- Let go of perfectionism: Understand that perfection is an unattainable standard and striving for it can be detrimental to your self-image. Embrace imperfection as a natural part of being human and celebrate your progress, no matter how small. Allow yourself to make mistakes and learn from them, rather than striving for flawless performance in every aspect of your life.
- Challenge Negative Thoughts: Pay attention to negative self-talk and challenge any unrealistic or unkind thoughts about yourself. Replace negative thoughts with more balanced and affirming statements and avoid dwelling in a mental space that constantly criticizes every action you take.
- Focus on Your Strengths: Identify your strengths, talents, and accomplishments. Celebrate your achievements, no matter how small, and acknowledge the unique qualities that make you who you are.
- Surround Yourself with supportive people: Surround yourself with supportive and encouraging people who uplift you and affirm your worth. When others believe in your abilities, it can be easier to believe in yourself. Limit exposure to negative influences, such as social media or environments that foster comparison and self-doubt.
A positive self-image is essential for a happy and healthy life. However, it’s an ongoing process that demands patience, self-compassion, and commitment. Remember, your relationship with yourself sets the foundation for meaningful connections with others. Embrace your uniqueness, celebrate your strengths, and love yourself first.
