Recognizing External Factors and Developing True Confidence

The tripartite model of body image considers the influence of media, interpersonal experiences, and partner pressure in shaping our views of ourselves./nPressure from a partner to have a masculine body can contribute to the onset of disordered eating in men./nOur interactions with other people, such as parents dieting or talking about food control, can shape how we view our own bodies./nMuscle dysmorphia, likened to OCD, may require psychiatric help and medication for symptom management in men./nRecognizing that there are external factors that we model and internalize is key to understanding body image concerns./nInternalization of an ideal body mediates many body image concerns./nDeveloping true confidence involves recognizing that ideals only affect us if we let them./nStriving for personally meaningful goals while respecting and caring for our bodies promotes positive body image./nFueling our bodies appropriately and engaging in enjoyable movement can lead to changes in physique while still pursuing performance goals./nA sense of mastery can be attained by maintaining a balanced approach to self-care and goal pursuit.