Body image flexibility (BIF) is the specific type of psychological
flexibility in the
research field of
body image, which reflects the
ability to experience
negative body image and related events in an open and acceptive way, and take actions consistent with one's values.
Body image is actually not stable. If
negative body image could not be adjusted effectively in
time, it would develop into
body image disturbance (BID), which is one of the core symptoms and psychopathological mechanisms of
eating disorder (ED) and
body dysmorphic disorder (BDD). BIF is one of the important factors in this development path, gaining more and more
attention as a
protective factor for
body image. So far, most studies focus on
eating disorder patients and related sub-clinical
populations.
Body image-acceptance and action
questionnaire is the most widely used measurement. BIF is related to some sample characteristics, such as
gender, age and
body size.Cultural context also has an impact on it.Positive and
negative body image and
eating disorder pathological characteristics are also strongly associated with BIF. As to the intervention, the application of
mindfulness, acceptance and
compassion in
treatment may improve BIF.
Future studies need to improve the
research methods and designs, and pay
attention to other samples. More specific interventions need to be developed, of which the
therapeutic mechanisms also need to be explored.