Introduction / Rationale: Body image shaped by sociocultural factors, influences self-perception, occupational engagement, and daily life. Body dissatisfaction is linked to mental health challenges and maladaptive coping strategies, impacting diverse populations. Because body image is integral to a person’s identity and physical interactions with the environment, negative body image can affect all aspects of a person’s occupational engagement.
Objectives: Participants will be able to articulate the impact of body image on clients, assess clients for body image difficulties, and describe interventions to improve coping with a negative body image.
Methods / Approach: Instructional methods will include education, application of strategies, and case study. Utilizing a Lifestyle Redesign approach, we will examine daily routine modifications to support symptom management and engagement in preferred roles.
Results / Practice Implications: Informal and formal assessments address body image and incorporate behavior-based strategies to improve coping. Occupational engagement interventions improve positive body image, increase self-efficacy, and reduce mental health symptoms. Modalities to increase occupational engagement include motivational interviewing, problem-solving, environmental modifications, cognitive behavioral strategies, and activity grading. Mindfulness and cognitive restructuring target body image barriers impacting social participation, physical activity, and eating routines.
Conclusion / Significance to the Occupational Therapy Profession: OT practitioners are trained to assist individuals in engaging in meaningful activities, roles, and routines. Addressing body image promotes a positive sense of embodiment, impacting clients’ ability to manage chronic conditions and reducing negative compensatory behaviors and psychological distress. Challenging societal perceptions of body image empowers individuals to reach their full potential. Recognizing that all bodies have an image is foundational to achieving client goals and enhancing quality of life.