ABSTRACT
we live in a culture and era that place considerable emphasis on the aesthetics of the human body. In recognition of this fact, social and behavioral scientists increasingly have investigated and discussed the influences of physical appearance on human development in the course of everyday life (Bull and Rumsey 1988; Cash and Pruzinsky 1990; Hatfield and Sprecher 1986; Jackson 1992). Within this voluminous literature is a body of knowledge regarding the psychosocial correlates and consequences of obesity. In this chapter, we will first examine how body weight, especially obesity, affects body image and psychological adjustment. We will consider the roles played by culture and gender in the socialization of the personal meanings of weight in body image development. Finally, we will articulate and evaluate extant interventions that aim to promote body acceptance and well-being among individuals with obesity.
