Early life experiences significantly influence our body image, particularly as these formative years coincide with the onset of Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) during adolescence. Personality traits such as perfectionism exacerbate the focus on appearance, where even minor perceived flaws can lead to intense distress and impact self-identity. Unlike eating disorders, which disproportionately affect women, BDD affects all genders equally, though its expression may vary.
All of us have insecurities when it comes to our appearance, but what happens when these become obsessive and a point of fixation? In today's episode we break down the psychology and pathology of body dysmorphia, including:
- The origins in childhood experiences
- Family history and influence
- The differences in expression between men and women
- The relationship between body dysmorphia and cosmetic surgery
- The influence of toxic gym, diet culture and 'bigorexia'
- How false beliefs influence behaviour
- Dating with body dysmorphia, and more
Listen now!
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