Body Image
What is Body Image?
- How we perceive our bodies visually
- How we feel about our physical appearance; how we think and talk to ourselves about our bodies
- Our sense of how other people view our bodies
- Our sense of our bodies in physical space
- Our level of connectedness to our bodies
What is positive Body Image?
- A clear, true perception of your shape
- You celebrate and appreciate your natural body shape and you understand that a person's physical appearance says very little about their character and value as a person.
- You feel proud and accepting of your unique body and refuse to spend an unreasonable amount of time worrying about food, weight, and calories.
- You feel comfortable and confident in your body.
What is negative Body Image?
- A distorted perception of your shape
- You are convinced that only other people are attractive and that your body size or shape is a sign of personal failure.
- You feel ashamed, self-conscious, and anxious about your body.
- You feel uncomfortable and awkward in your body.
Click here for tips on Loving Your Body.
Getting Support on Campus
At Skidmore, we take a team approach to eating disorders with Health Services, the campus nutritionist, and the Counseling Center working closely together. If a student needs assistance with body image or eating issues while at Skidmore, feel free to contact the Counseling Center (518-580-5555) or Health Services (518-580-5550) to learn about resources and set up a support system before arriving on campus. Students are welcome to make an appointment at any point during the year by stopping by either office, both located on the first floor of Jonsson Tower.
Health Promotions works closely with the Skidmore Nutrition Action Council (SNAC) to bring Eating Disorder Awareness Week and National Nutrition Month to campus annually. These events feature renowned speakers and guest lecturers, panel discussions, awareness events, and the dissemination of Skidmore-specific data.