Body Image and Body Dysmorphia

When people feel dissatisfied with their height, they often modify other physical traits to make up for it. New research explores the surprising everyday habits and bodily changes associated with this frequently overlooked body image insecurity.

A recent study suggests identifying as a feminist might paradoxically increase certain body image concerns. Researchers found that when feminist beliefs intertwine with consumer culture, women may experience heightened pressures to conform to unrealistic beauty standards.

When evaluating body size, people focus heavily on specific lower-body features rather than viewing the whole person. A new study reveals that perceiving weight relies on the simultaneous integration of multiple details around the thighs and hips.

A recent study suggests that frequent pornography use is linked to severe body and genital dissatisfaction among involuntary celibates. Scientists found that internalizing the physical standards of adult media actors heavily influences how these socially isolated men view themselves.

Researchers created a custom Roblox game to help improve body image in children. However, a new study of over 1,000 kids reveals that the game's optional educational messages failed to actually boost players' self-esteem or body satisfaction.

Young people who spend a lot of time comparing their bodies to others on the internet maintain those concerns into adulthood. A new longitudinal study reveals how digital appearance anxieties eventually catch up to almost all adolescents.

How does artificial intelligence visualize an "athletic body"? A recent analysis reveals that leading AI platforms consistently generate images that adhere to specific aesthetic standards.

A study in the International Journal of Sexual Health finds that sexual difficulties in women are primarily associated with depression, while men show a unique link between eating disorder symptoms and sexual health.

A new study identifies unique gut bacteria patterns in children with autism, ADHD, and anorexia nervosa. Researchers also found altered levels of appetite-regulating hormones, suggesting a link between gut health and these complex conditions.

The names women use for their anatomy are linked to their well-being. Playful terms were tied to negative body image, while certain informal language used during intimacy was associated with more positive sexual experiences.

A popular social media filter subtly reshapes faces in ways that are surprisingly specific. New research quantifies these digital alterations and explores their connection to aesthetic procedures.

New research reveals an indirect path from a mother's selfies to her teen's thoughts on cosmetic surgery. The study shows the influence is channeled through the adolescent’s imitation of these behaviors and their resulting body image concerns.

Researchers set out to investigate how physical traits like breast size might be connected to psychological factors such as body image and self-esteem. The study focused on adult women and considered both biological measurements and social characteristics.

Researchers have found that TikTok activity is linked to both body appreciation and dissatisfaction among young women. The findings suggest that different types of engagement on the app may shape how users view themselves and cosmetic surgery.

A bold theory has suggested that conservative Protestant men feel more insecure about their bodies, especially when it comes to penis size. A new study puts that idea to the test using national survey data from over 1,800 American men.