ABSTRACT
Chapter 9 addresses the key issue of negative body image, targeting cognitions and behaviours that relate to our second cognitive target – overvaluation of appearance. The focus is very much ‘here and now’, rather than addressing past experience and the development of negative body image. Some work is done to reduce body size misperception, and psychoeducation is used to correct any misconceptions about the function and composition of the human body. Four maintaining behaviours are addressed – mind-reading, body checking, body comparison, and body avoidance. These are treated using established cognitive-behavioural methods – surveys, behavioural experiments, and exposure – where each is related to a specific maintaining behaviour. Imagery rescripting is also used where past experiences influence current interpretations and emotional responses. Repeated practice of these methods via homework is stressed. Clinical examples are provided throughout.
