Are these vacationers experiencing “seasonal body image dissatisfaction”?
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While winter still lingers in the Northern Hemisphere, we’re nearing the summer solstice. The sun overhead signifies one thing: a surge of lifestyle articles and social media posts encouraging you to “get your beach body ready.”
A friend of mine recently shared his anxiety about summer for this exact reason. “I’ve even stopped trying to get a six-pack,” he confessed. “But I feel really self-conscious without my shirt on.”
This conversation piqued my curiosity about whether this sentiment is widespread. I soon discovered several recent studies addressing “Seasonal Body Image Dissatisfaction,” along with strategies to combat it.
Scott Griffith and his team at the University of Melbourne conducted a groundbreaking study involving 823 gay and bisexual men globally. They found that over 70% reported significant physical dissatisfaction during summer, more so than in any other season, attributing it to societal pressures from the media and the increased exposure of their bodies.
These findings align with a recent analysis of 12 million social media posts from 2020 to 2023, revealing that expressions of self-loathing peaked in July, with similar trends noted for December in both hemispheres.
If any of this resonates with you, it may be beneficial to explore research on mindful self-compassion. This concept emphasizes three core aspects: recognizing that one’s struggles are universal, developing a mindful awareness of our experiences, and refraining from getting lost in negative thoughts and emotions.
Personally, I would love to see a rise in “body-neutral movements” on social media. Unlike “body-positive exercise,” which aims to celebrate our flaws, body neutrality prioritizes bodily function over appearance.
Forthcoming research by Raeanna Kilby and Kristin Mickelson of Arizona State University suggests that body neutrality may more effectively decrease self-objectification compared to body positivity. Jameela Jamil advocates for this perspective, stating, “My body is not an advertising board for others. It’s not something for them to judge, nor for me to judge… I focus on enjoying life to the fullest.”
This summer, my goals are centered on health, happiness, and friendships—the true #gains.
David Robson is an award-winning science writer and author of “The Law of Connection: 13 Social Strategies that Change Your Life.”
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