Fostering Body Wellness among Preadolescents with the Multidimensional Body Wellness Model

ABSTRACT

Researchers have recognized body dissatisfaction (BD) as a significant risk factor for developing mental illnesses, with BD emerging as early as middle childhood. Although scholars have extensively studied body image as a construct, there remains a shortage of holistic and developmentally focused models to foster positive body image in preadolescent children across diverse cultural and gender identities. In response, we propose the Multidimensional Body Wellness (MBW) model, which is informed by sociocultural, intersectional, and resilience-based constructs, such as body image resilience, body compassion, and Health at Every Size® principles. Using a multifaceted lens, the MBW model may assist preadolescent children and families with challenging harmful body ideals, honoring diverse identities, and redefining traditional perceptions of wellness. We conclude with relevant interventions across counseling settings, implications for counselors, and future directions for research.

KEYWORDS:

• Body image
• body wellness
• body compassion
• body image resilience
• preadolescent

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).