Study shows positive body image is linked to better well-being
A major new study, one of the largest of its kind, brings good news for people who love their bodies the way they are.
Researchers from Anglia Ruskin University, along with a global team of scientists, have found that feeling good about your body not only boosts self-esteem, but is also linked to overall happiness and mental well-being.
This study wasn’t small either; 56,968 people from 65 different countries were surveyed!
Body appreciation here means more than just liking how you look in the mirror. It’s about respecting your body, appreciating its unique qualities and not conforming to the narrow standards of beauty often promoted by the media.
In simpler terms, it’s about liking yourself for who you are, not what society expects of you.
The far-reaching effect
Previous studies have shown that people who feel good physically are also more likely to have better mental health. For example, they usually report higher self-esteem and healthier eating habits.
On the other hand, people who don’t value their bodies are more likely to suffer from depression and anxiety.
What makes this study unique is its scope and scope. The researchers used the Body Appreciation Scale-2, a questionnaire with statements such as “I respect my body” and “I appreciate the different and unique qualities of my body.”
They found that people who scored higher on this scale were also more likely to say they were satisfied with their lives.
Interestingly, the study found that single people and people living in rural areas have higher levels of body esteem.
In terms of differences between countries, the UK did not fare as well – only India and Australia had lower scores. On a positive note, Malta, Taiwan and Bangladesh had the highest levels of body esteem.
What that means for all of us
Viren Swami, the study’s lead author, pointed out that the results show the importance of promoting a more positive body image for everyone, everywhere.
He suggested that people in cities might feel more pressure to look a certain way because of society’s ideals of beauty.
Meanwhile, people in rural areas could benefit from the outdoors previously associated with positive body image.
Swami emphasized that this global collaboration between scientists shows what can be achieved when experts come together for a common goal.
take that away? Loving your body isn’t just good for you; It’s good for your overall life satisfaction and mental health.
So next time you start doubting your looks, remember that appreciating your body can lead to a happier, healthier life. And who doesn’t want that?
If wellness is your concern, read studies on fruit that may keep your muscles young and a new drug that may delay muscle aging.
Further information on the topic of wellness can be found in current studies Olive oil can help you live longerAnd Vitamin D could help lower the risk of autoimmune diseases.
The research results can be found in body image.
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