Domain 6. Self-perception
Class 3. Body image
Diagnostic Code: 00118
Nanda label: Disturbed body image
Diagnostic focus: Body image
Body image is the composite of an individual’s physical characteristics, perceived body size, thoughts and feelings about their body. When individuals have low self-esteem about their body, develop attitudes about dieting or excessive diet control and become obsessed with weight maintenance hazards and start using unhealthy coping strategies, that’s when they experience body image disturbance.
NANDA Nursing Diagnosis Definition
NANDA nursing diagnosis definition of disturbed body image includes a conscious or unconscious, internalized belief that is contrary to reality based on self-evaluation. It may include distressing feelings of dissatisfaction and sense of disgust value one's body.
Defining Characteristics
Subjective Data
The most common symptoms of disturbed body image are: strong feelings of dissatisfaction with body weight, shape or size; negative self-talk; comparing oneself to others; preoccupation with body weight, dieting and/or calories; extreme concern about physical appearance; develop eating disorders; refers to body as fat, ugly or shameful; avoidance of physical contact with others due to body insecurity.
Objective Data
Someone in states of disturbed body image may exhibit any of these behaviors: watching scale excessively; weighs self repeatedly; restrictive eating habits; obsession with working out; rigid food rules; intense fear of gaining weight; overly focused on achieving an unrealistic physical ideal; body-related rituals such as excessive hair-pulling and skin picking; extreme body shaming.
The related factors include biological, psychological, spiritual, cultural, environmental, interpersonal and development. Some of the most common contributing factor to body image disturbance are: unrealistic body ideals perpetuated by media; technological advancements that make altered images easily accessible; unhealthy lifestyle choices; cultural pressures to look a certain way; pressure from peers; overbearing parents; trauma history such as sexual abuse and bullying; family history of body image issues; low self-esteem; underlying mental health disorder (e.g. anxiety, depression).
At Risk Population
Individuals who are at risk of developing disturbed body image include those who are naturally thin; those undergoing puberty; those in the age range from younger than 18 to 25; those who engage in the extreme dieting of anorexia nervosa; those who are eager to attain mass muscle appearances through the use of steroids; those who are affected by disfigurement; those affected by diseases that alter a person’s looks; those with a history of depression; those who have been through a traumatic experience; children who lack healthy role modeling by parents.
Associated Conditions
Disturbed body image can lead to unhealthy behaviors such as: Eating disorders (anorexia, bulimia, binge eating); Extreme dieting/excessive exercise and laxative/diuretic abuse; Low self-esteem, depression and anxiety; Social isolation; High risk of infection and illness due to high nutrient deficiency; Substance abuse and alcoholism; Compulsive shopping; Poor decision making; Self-mutilation or suicidal ideation.
Suggestions for Use
In order to prevent the development of disturbed body image, healthcare professionals should always assess the behaviors and perceptions of their patients and provide appropriate education and referrals where necessary. The initial steps in diagnosis include conducting a thorough assessment of the patient, including their self-perception, dieting patterns and exercise habits, general health and mental wellbeing. Patients should be encouraged to adopt safe and healthy behaviors and be properly educated about ways of averting disturbances in body image.
Suggested Alternative NANDA Nursing diagnoses
Other NANDA nursing diagnoses to help further evaluate patients with disturbed body image include: Activity Intolerance, Anxiety, Food Selectivity, Ineffective Coping, Knowledge deficit, Nutrition Less than Body Requirements, Risk for Imbalanced Fluid Volume, Risk for Self-Harm, Risk for Spiritual Distress, Sleep Deprivation, and Unilateral Neglect.
Usage Tips
When identifying nursing diagnoses related to Disturbed Body Image, healthcare professionals should focus on interdisciplinary approaches that get to the core of the issue and take a holistic, comprehensive approach that involves exploring the underlying factors. This includes physical and mental health considerations, nutrition, dieting patterns, social and environmental cues, as well as family and peer influences. Additionally, healthcare professionals should also focus on helping the patient create realistic, achievable body image goals, while celebrating accomplishments along the way.
NOC Outcomes
Nursing Outcomes Classification (NOC) outcomes related to Disturbed Body Image include: Appropriate Body Image, Cognitive Effects of Dieting Behavior, Effective Coping, Health-Seeking Behaviors, Nutritional Status, Spiritual Status, Understanding of Body Image and Weight Status, and Weight Management Practices.
Evaluation Objectives and Criteria
The evaluation objectives and criteria associated with Disturbed Body Image generally involve assessing the cognitive, emotional and behavioral manifestations of the patient. This would include exploring the impact of family or cultural influences on the patient’s behavior, their dieting and physical activity patterns, and their self-esteem. Ultimately, the goal is to measure the patient’s progress in understanding that a healthy body image is achievable and achievable without excessive dieting or strict lifestyle measures.
NIC Interventions
The Nursing Interventionsu Classification (NIC) interventions related to Disturbed Body Image include: Body Image Enhancement, Health Education: Body Image, Relaxation Techniques, Cognitive Restructuring, Nutrition Counseling, Anger Management, Spiritual Support, Stress Reduction Techniques, and Support System Enhancement.
Nursing Activities
The nursing activities associated with Disturbed Body Image involve providing patient education on healthy body image and the effects of societal media on the body image crisis; engaging in motivational interviewing; implementing relaxation techniques; establishing a safe environment while advocating for appropriate intervention; and providing support and appropriate coaching.
Conclusion
In conclusion, body image disturbance can have a major impact on an individual’s life. It is important for healthcare professionals to continue to strive to identify risk factors and intervene accordingly. Early recognition can lead to better long-term outcomes and should be actively sought out. By utilizing a comprehensive interdisciplinary approach it’s possible to educate patients on the importance of healthy body image and help them develop healthier patterns of diet, exercise, leisure and self-care.
FAQs
- What is Disturbed Body Image?
Disturbed body image is an internalized, conscious or unconscious belief that is contrary to reality. It is marked by feelings of dissatisfaction, negative self-talk, extreme concerns over physical appearance, dieting behaviors, and/or avoidance of physical contact. - Who is at Risk for Developing Disturbed Body Image?
Individuals who are naturally thin; those undergoing puberty; those in the age range from younger than 18 to 25; those who engage in the extreme dieting of anorexia nervosa; those who are eager to attain mass muscle appearances through the use of steroids; those who are affected by disfigurement; those affected by diseases that alter a person’s looks; those with a history of depression; those who have been through a traumatic experience; children who lack healthy role modeling by parents are at higher risk for disturbed body image. - What are the Complications of Disturbed Body Image?
Individuals can develop conditions such as eating disorders, anorexia and bulimia, restrict eating habits, substance abuse, depression, anxiety, social isolation, compulsive shopping, and self-mutilation due to disturbed body image. - What Nursing Interventions can Help Manage Disturbed Body Image?
The Nursing Interventions Classification (NIC) interventions related to Disturbed Body Image include: Body Image Enhancement, Health Education: Body Image, Relaxation Techniques, Cognitive Restructuring, Nutrition Counseling, Anger Management, Spiritual Support, Stress Reduction Techniques, and Support System Enhancement. - What Types of Outcomes Can be Expected with Disturbed Body Image?
Nursing Outcomes Classification (NOC) outcomes related to Disturbed Body Image include: Appropriate Body Image, Cognitive Effects of Dieting Behavior, Effective Coping, Health-Seeking Behaviors, Nutritional Status, Spiritual Status, Understanding of Body Image and Weight Status, and Weight Management Practices.