What is ‘body image dissatisfaction’ and why is it at even more dangerous levels since the pandemic? Body image dissatisfaction is often the precursor to bullying; eating disorders; anxiety; depression; loneliness and lack of connectedness. Dr Gemma Sharp shares her research and clinical insights and delivers some advice on how this issue can be approached.

DR GEMMA SHARP:

Gemma is an NHMRC Early Career Research Fellow in the Monash Alfred Psychiatry Research Centre who leads the Body Image Research Group.

Gemma holds a Bachelor of Science in Molecular Biology (University of Adelaide), Bachelor of Science Honours degree in Microbiology and Immunology (University of Adelaide), a Masters degree in Oncology (University of Cambridge), a Diploma in Languages in Japanese (University of Adelaide), a Graduate Diploma in Psychology (University of Adelaide), a Bachelor of Behavioural Sciences Honours degree in Psychology (Flinders University) and a PhD in Clinical Psychology (Flinders University). Her research career in both Medical Science and Psychology has seen her study and work in Australia, Japan and the UK. Gemma was awarded a PhD from Flinders University in Adelaide in 2017, which investigated the psychological predictors and outcomes of female genital cosmetic surgery. Her NHMRC Early Career Research Fellowship at the Monash Alfred Psychiatry Research Centre (MAPrc) at Monash University focuses on the factors leading to body image concerns and novel therapeutic interventions using digital technologies to address these concerns.

Gemma serves on the Australian Psychological Society’s National Clinical College Committee as the Early Career Representative, the Victorian Section of the Australian Psychological Society’s Clinical College Committee, and the Australian Society for Psychosocial Obstetrics and Gynaecology Executive Committee.

IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS:

1. The key influences that make a difference in a child’s life with body image.

2. Whether body image is an individual issue or a societal issue - or both.

3. The impact of the pandemic on body image perception and why we are now in a worse position with this issue than before.

4. The impacts of exposure to new technologies in the form of image filtering and selfies.

5. Why body dissatisfaction is more common in young women.

6. The common impacts of this disorder and what is fuelling them i.e. disconnectedness, isolation, loneliness, disordered eating, depression and anxiety.

7. The importance of is the role of family in supporting positive body image.

8. Advice from Gemma on some steps people can take if they feel they would like to support a loved one or themselves with body image dissatisfaction.

For more information on the work the GL Dissolving Differences Foundation is doing around Body Image Dissatisfaction, go to gldissolvingdifferencesfoundation.com