Body Image

This book is a comprehensive treatise on the concept of body image, its formation, body dysmorphia, and associated comorbidities and psychopathologies. It proceeds from defining body image as a mental construct, to its historical development, and practical implications. The body is separated from the image, and both are considered conceptually, philosophically, and artistically. The novel aspect of the image the Soul is also introduced, as is that of the national body image in relation to the individual body image. Upon being "dissected," the body is "re-integrated" with the image, so as to rehabilitate and reconstitute the Self: Self-Image, the Sense of Self, and the Birth of the Modern Self are all examined in separate chapters. Important novel ideas are introduced, such as culturally-bound body images, the language of gestures, and how body parts contribute to body image. The differences between the male and the female brains in body image formation, and associated problems are brought to light and thoroughly inspected. The latter part of the book is concerned with practical solutions, such as diet and exercise, but also effects and efficiency of cosmetic surgery. Special body image conditions in oncology, dermatology, chronic pain and trauma are also considered.