The powerful effect of our physical self-image has been well-explored in popular media. From Quasimodo to Precious, we’ve seen how, in a society that values beauty and superficial qualities, our image of ourselves can determine our sense of worth. While we (hopefully) receive many messages regarding the value of our character and intelligence, we are very often judged by our appearance. Responses from others can (rightly or wrongly) reprogram how we see ourselves, creating insecurity. Our level of concern about how our bodies look may vary from moderate concern to tragic, obsessive self-hatred. While an interest in maintaining or improving our appearance can be a healthy expression of self-love, dissatisfaction with how our bodies look can relentlessly steal our happiness. When we dislike how we look, we may feel unworthy of love and attention; we may even unconsciously sabotage ourselves by drawing away from others.
The effects of a negative body image have been felt by most people at some point in their lives, to some degree. Some of us may look more attractive and feel more satisfied with ourselves. Some of us may be less attractive, but feel comfortable with our looks and feel pride in our appearance. Unfortunately, many of us may simply be unhappy with the way our bodies look.
To see how different personality types might feel about this topic, we decided to confront the issue bluntly. We asked if people agreed with the statement “You feel insecure about how your body looks.” A fairly modest majority (62%) agreed overall, and we got quite a bit of variance among the responses of different personality types:
Let’s see if we can make some sense of all those columns by looking at the Role and Strategy groups and some of their associated traits.
Roles
Diplomats (71% agreeing)
A fair majority of Diplomats (71%) agreed, and this probably relates to both the Feeling and Intuitive traits. Intuitive personality types have a tendency to wander in thought and examine concepts in imaginative detail. When they apply this behavior to the way their body looks, they may dwell at length on areas that they perceive to be deficient in some way. They may magnify minor things that they don’t like about themselves until those things feel like obvious flaws. Combined with the emotional sensitivity of the Feeling trait, we can see how Diplomat personality types might feel more insecurity about their bodies than other Roles.
Advocates (INFJ) agreed at the highest overall rate (78%), with the Turbulent variant (INFJ-T) reaching 85%. They tend to have exacting standards and are highly sensitive to judgement. This means that Advocates can easily feel self-critical about their bodies, while also being vulnerable to any perceived (or imagined) criticism from other people.
Analysts (62%)
While we didn’t see a large majority of Analysts agree, the tendency to feel insecure about their bodies is still represented (with 62% agreeing). Many Analyst personalities may in fact “analyze” their bodies harshly in a manner similar to Diplomats, which is a reflection of the Intuitive trait. Complex comparative evaluation is a tendency of Analysts, and may lead to negative self-appraisal. Analysts seek to understand, and as they classify external things, they cannot help but measure themselves against others.
However, the Thinking trait might moderate some negative emotional responses in regards to their bodies. Analysts may use objective logic to excuse their perceived physical faults, and they may be more apt to notice the positive aspects of their bodies. These personality types may also simply have less of an emotional response overall.
Explorers (61%) and Sentinels (60%)
Members of these two Roles with the Feeling trait showed higher averaged agreement (64%) than those with the Thinking trait (53%). This is probably a reflection of behavior discussed above regarding Diplomats, relating to the Feeling trait.
The slightly lower overall averages of Explorers and Sentinels might also reflect their Observant trait. These Roles may focus a little more on the way things are than on fantasies of how things could be; this may lead them to be more accepting of the way their bodies look. They may also feel that it’s somewhat impractical to be upset about things they cannot change.
The lowest rate of agreement was from Executive personalities (ESTJ) (45% agreeing), the majority of whom say they do not feel insecure about how their bodies look. Executives tend to be energetic and strong-willed; even if they aren’t satisfied with the way their bodies look, they are less likely to allow it to interfere with their lives.
Strategies
Constant Improvement (82%)
Constant Improvers had the strongest response (with 82% agreeing), which clearly indicates a (rather expected) correlation between a Turbulent Identity and agreement. Insecurity about a broad range of issues is a common tendency among Turbulent personality types. Something as pointed as physical appearance is clearly influenced by this potential for self-criticism. Constant Improvers may also feel pressure to conform to high standards and often have challenging expectations for themselves. If they feel like they aren’t as good as they think they should be, it can be very troubling for them.
We find a good example of attitudes shared by Constant Improvement types in Turbulent Advocates (INFJ-T), who top the chart, agreeing at the highest rate of any personality type (85%).
Social Engagement (76%)
While Social Engagers still showed the strong agreement associated with a Turbulent Identity (76% agreement), their Extraversion may moderate their response somewhat. Their social natures tend to make them more confident when dealing with other people, and this may ease their insecurity about how their bodies look.
Confident Individualism (47%)
A minority of this Strategy (47%) agreed, reflecting the, well, confident individualism and self-assurance bolstered by their Assertive Identity. Their Introversion can make them slightly vulnerable to social stress, however, and this may make some Confident Individualists feel insecure about their bodies.
People Mastery (40%)
This Strategy has the tendency to seek social interactions and to be confident with who they are. Their low rate of agreement (40%) reflects People Masters’ ability to engage others with charisma and charm, regardless of how they look. While many of these personality types may feel some insecurity regarding their bodies, they are the best equipped of any strategy to overcome those insecurities and achieve social success.
Assertive Executives (ESTJ-A) showed the lowest rate of agreement (35%), but Assertive Commanders (ENTJ-A) were not far behind (36%). Both personality types can accomplish things through force of will, social skills, and a strong sense of self. This can make them less concerned with how their bodies look.
Conclusions
The Intuitive and Feeling traits may lead some of us to go deeper into self-criticism, and we might feel more negative emotions as a consequence. However, insecurity about how our bodies look relates most strongly to Identity traits; Assertive personality types tend toward self-confidence in all things, and Turbulent types do not. When it comes to how we feel about how our bodies look, these archetypal behaviors are clearly manifested.
Those of us who put the most pressure on ourselves are also the most likely to feel upset if we think we come up short. Frustration with our own failings can drive us to work harder, but if we perceive shortcomings with something that is intrinsically a part of us (like our bodies), we may do ourselves mental harm. Expanding our limits through accomplishment can be liberating, but so can accepting and loving the many facets of who we already are. Our bodies are our vehicles through life, our temples, and our greatest tools. Self-examination should be a step to objectively understanding and improving ourselves, not magnifying insecurity. The potential in each of us is immeasurable, and cannot be linked to body shape or size.
Do you have body image issues, or have you in the past? What has helped you love yourself more? Let us know in the comments section!