Wednesday 11/09/2024
PHOTO: Katarina Wolnik Vera
TEXT: María Sabaté and Lina Camacho
Long before we ever have a conscious sense of self and of how we look like, when we are babies we begin to know ourselves and to explore the world through our body and what it allows us to do. Everything we know about the world around us we explore first through our bodies. We push and pull, reach and grasp; that’s how we discover what we like, what we dislike, what calls our attention and what we want to hold tight. That’s how we first discover we have a body and what we can do with it.
Are you aware of all that your body can do? Normally when we grow up we lose curiosity about our body’s functions and we might tend to focus more on our body’s appearance.
What is body functionality?
Body functionality is the scientific term for everything that our body can do, spanning various domains such as internal processes (e.g., digestion, healing), physical capacities (e.g., walking, stretching), senses (e.g., sight, pleasure), and creative or communicative abilities (e.g., drawing, body language). Almost a decade ago, scholars emphasized the importance of research on body functionality in the body image field, sparking a surge of interest in understanding this critical aspect of human experience. Results of various studies have shown that the more grateful we are for what our bodies can do for us, also the more prone we are to appreciate our appearance.
What is not
Body functionality research focuses on how individuals think, feel, and behave in relation to their body’s abilities, offering a holistic understanding of body image. A common misconception is equating body functionality with being physically able or disease-free. However, body functionality applies to all individuals, including those with physical limitations or disabilities. For instance, a person with a disability may perform the same actions as others, but in a different way, reflecting functionality that is not absent but adapted.
Importantly, body functionality is not tied to appearance, societal ideals of physical fitness, or attractiveness. While certain functions might influence physical appearance (e.g., breastfeeding altering breast shape), the value of body functionality lies beyond aesthetics.
Why is body functionality important for improving self-image?
We argue that focusing on body functionality can be beneficial for fostering positive embodiment. There are several theories that support this proposition. Franzoi (1995), proposed two perspectives on how people view their bodies: body-as-process (focused on functionality) and body-as-object (focused on appearance). He argued that individuals, especially men, tend to have more positive attitudes toward their body-as-process, therefore more appreciation and gratitude towards what their body’s can do. Socialization differences lead men to focus more on functionality and women on appearance, resulting in a disparity in body image experiences.
Objectification
Now, furthermore, given that women are often sexually objectified by culture, what tends to happen is that they come to view their bodies from a third-person perspective (Fredrickson & Roberts, 1997). This self-objectification reduces their connection with body functionality and internal cues, increasing the risk of mental health issues like body shame and disordered eating. Although men can also experience objectification, it is typically to a lesser degree than women.
Importantly, self-objectification describes viewing one’s own body as a static object, evaluated predominantly for its physical appearance. Therefore, focusing on what one’s body can do is antithetical to self-objectification and may discourage women from adopting an objectifying and harmful view of their body. Focusing on body functionality helps resist societal pressures to view the body as an object (Piran, 2002, 2016, 2017). It has been proven that engaging in activities that emphasize body functionality and achieving attunement with the body can lead to a sense of connection between the mind and body that directly promotes positive embodiment (Piran, 2019).
Functions of the human body and food
Valuing body functionality over appearance also encourages a healthier relationship with food and self-image, as it implies a more intuitive approach towards one’s diet, guided by internal hunger and fullness cues rather than adhering to societal norms. Research shows that Intuitive eating fosters body appreciation and reduces disordered eating behaviors (Avalos & Tylka, 2006). Conversely, disrupted embodiment occurs when individuals prioritize appearance over functionality, such as through dieting or harmful exercise, leading to negative body experiences (Piran, 2002, 2016, 2017).
How to improve the appreciation of functionality to achieve a positive body image?
- Writing about body functionality has been shown to improve body image by encouraging individuals to reflect on their body’s abilities, such as healing, movement, and creativity, rather than its aesthetic features.
- Doing Yoga. Yoga combines physical postures, breathing exercises, and meditation, all of which cultivate self-awareness and a deeper connection to the body’s capabilities
- Exposure to natural environments, such as walking in nature or spending time in green spaces, helps shift attention away from appearance-focused pressures prevalent in urban contexts and support quicker recovery from negative body image thoughts
What about populations with reduced functionality?
Despite illness, injury, or disability, individuals can still appreciate their body’s functionality by accepting limitations and focusing on what remains possible. Chronic pain often negatively impacts body image, however learning to accept and live with pain can lead to better perceptions of body function.
In pregnancy and breastfeeding, women may shift focus from appearance to functionality, which can enhance body respect and emotional bonding with their baby, though postpartum challenges may affect this focus. Struggles with infertility or breastfeeding can lead to frustration and negative body perceptions. But functionality appreciation during pregnancy can improve antenatal attachment, fostering a stronger emotional bond with the baby after the birth.
Feminist beliefs can also offer protection against negative body image by fostering a critical view of societal appearance ideals and emphasizing body functionality over appearance, supporting a more positive body image.
Emphasizing body functionality, rather than appearance, can improve body image and self-esteem, irrespective of physical limitations or societal standards. Practical strategies such as writing about body abilities, practicing yoga, and spending time in nature are recommended to enhance this appreciation. This approach benefits all individuals, including those with specific challenges or during life stages such as pregnancy, and supports a healthier, more positive body image. Ultimately, embracing body functionality fosters a more positive and resilient body image.
References:
- Alleva, J. M., & Tylka, T. L. (2021). Body functionality: A review of the literature. Body Image, 36, 149-171.
- Piran, Niva. Handbook of positive body image and embodiment: Constructs, protective factors, and interventions. Oxford University Press, 2019.