Women's body image: the nurse's role in promotion of self-acceptance

Women face criticism regarding their bodies from childhood to old age. Overt and covert messages demand that all women seek the ever-changing "ideal" body through a variety of costly, ineffective, and often dangerous means. As these demands are internalized, healthy women may develop a negative body image and a damaged sense of self. Nurses can promote peace between mind and body through the nursing process, role modeling, and community involvement. Body image should be assessed, particularly during vulnerable periods, such as adolescence, pregnancy, postpartum, and menopause. Planning, intervention, and evaluation should focus on self-acceptance and emotional and physical well-being, rather than on changing one's appearance.