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(De)constructing Body Image

Bristol Doctorate in Clinical Psychology, UK, kate.gleeson{at}bristol.ac.uk

Hannah Frith

Bristol Doctorate in Clinical Psychology, UK

The reification of body image leads to unarticulated ideological and conceptual assumptions that obscure the most dynamic and productive features of the construct. These assumptions are that body image: (1) ‘exists’; (2) is a socially mediated product of perception; (3) is ‘internal’ and ‘of the individual’; (4) can be treated and measured as if real; and (5) individuals’ respond to body image measures as if neutrally providing information about pre-existing images held in their heads. We argue that it is more useful to consider body imaging as a process, an activity rather than a product.

Key Words: body • construct • critical • image • measures

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