State of the Science: Body Image and Mental Health

Body image (BI) is a complex construct that broadly encompasses the myriad of psychological experiences associated with living an embodied life. Despite this, body image and mental health research has often been narrowly focused on body image disturbance in the context of eating disorders. BI has been linked to other mental health concerns, yet no review to date has summarized and integrated these findings. Therefore, the present paper provides a comprehensive, state-of-the-science review of the relationship between BI and mental health concerns. Significant research indicates that negative BI is generally associated with worsened mental health and wellbeing, although it is frequently unclear if BI disturbance causes or results from mental health concerns. Notably, the existing literature is severely limited by a lack of longitudinal research and studies that are designed to investigate potential bidirectional relationships between BI and psychopathology. Nonetheless, research suggests that improving BI has the potential to positively impact individuals in many domains and across many diagnoses; thus, longitudinal research is urgently needed to elucidate pathways between BI and mental health and wellbeing. Also discussed are limitations in our understanding of BI among historically underrepresented communities. Finally, we propose adjustments needed to close this research gap and to better serve these communities.