Mind Your Body

Eating Disorders

How Mukbang Videos Affect Mental Health

Jessica M Alleva Ph.D. on January 26, 2026

Mukbang videos, featuring people eating vast amounts of calorie-rich foods, have become a global phenomenon. A first-of-its-kind study tested the effects of watching these clips.

Mukbang videos, featuring people eating vast amounts of calorie-rich foods, have become a global phenomenon. A first-of-its-kind study tested the effects of watching these clips.

Body Image

To Improve Body Image, "Enough is Enough" May Be Essential

Jessica M Alleva Ph.D. on September 29, 2025

The Enough is Enough experience represents is a turning point in the transition to positive body image. New research investigates whether it can be increased through intervention.

The Enough is Enough experience represents is a turning point in the transition to positive body image. New research investigates whether it can be increased through intervention.

Body Image

Improving Body Image in Adolescents With an Eating Disorder

Jessica M Alleva Ph.D. on June 12, 2025

Negative body image characterizes many eating disorders. A new study tested a functionality-based technique to improve body image in adolescents with an eating disorder.

Negative body image characterizes many eating disorders. A new study tested a functionality-based technique to improve body image in adolescents with an eating disorder.

Body Image

How Tattoos Support Body Image and Eating Disorder Recovery

Jessica M Alleva Ph.D. on May 9, 2025

Are tattoos more than skin deep? A new study explores how tattooing could contribute to eating disorder recovery among gender and sexual minority individuals.

Are tattoos more than skin deep? A new study explores how tattooing could contribute to eating disorder recovery among gender and sexual minority individuals.

Body Image

Why “Appearance Talk” Isn’t Just Small Talk

Jessica M Alleva Ph.D. on April 17, 2025

Comments like "I feel fat today" are what's known as "appearance talk." While these comments may seem harmless, studies show their troubling effects run deep.

Comments like "I feel fat today" are what's known as "appearance talk." While these comments may seem harmless, studies show their troubling effects run deep.

Body Image

Positive Body Image Among Children

Jessica M Alleva Ph.D. on January 10, 2025

How do young children describe what they appreciate about what their bodies can do, and how does this relate to their overall positive body image?

How do young children describe what they appreciate about what their bodies can do, and how does this relate to their overall positive body image?

Social Media

Can Social Media Algorithms Exacerbate Eating Disorders?

Jessica M Alleva Ph.D. on November 19, 2024

Could social media algorithms exacerbate disordered eating? A new study analyzed the TikTok algorithms of people with and without an eating disorder, with striking results.

Could social media algorithms exacerbate disordered eating? A new study analyzed the TikTok algorithms of people with and without an eating disorder, with striking results.

Body Image

How Positive Body Image Spreads

Jessica M Alleva Ph.D. on September 16, 2024

New research shows that promoting positive body image to others can have "ripple effects," leading to improvements in body image both for yourself and for others.

New research shows that promoting positive body image to others can have "ripple effects," leading to improvements in body image both for yourself and for others.

Body Image

Body Neutrality Isn't New or Unique From Positive Body Image

Jessica M Alleva Ph.D. on July 2, 2024

Many see body neutrality as a new approach to body image, but is it truly unique? Here are 10 myths about body neutrality and the evidence to challenge them.

Many see body neutrality as a new approach to body image, but is it truly unique? Here are 10 myths about body neutrality and the evidence to challenge them.

Body Image

Improving Body Image Among People With a Visible Difference

Jessica M Alleva Ph.D. on May 30, 2024

Many people with a visible difference experience appearance concerns. Our study tested a novel approach for improving their body image.

Many people with a visible difference experience appearance concerns. Our study tested a novel approach for improving their body image.

Body Image

Body Image Strategies for Using Social Media

Jessica M Alleva Ph.D. on February 26, 2024

Social media can contribute to negative body image. In a new study, we investigated two promising "protective filtering" strategies that may help.

Social media can contribute to negative body image. In a new study, we investigated two promising "protective filtering" strategies that may help.

Body Image

Body Image in Preadolescence

Jessica M Alleva Ph.D. on January 26, 2024

A recent study investigated the relationship between social media and body image among preadolescents and the protective role that parents might play.

A recent study investigated the relationship between social media and body image among preadolescents and the protective role that parents might play.

Social Media

How Social Media Affects Body Image and Eating Behavior

Jessica M Alleva Ph.D. on December 21, 2023

A systematic review uncovers how eating-related content on social media is linked to negative body image and eating behaviour.

A systematic review uncovers how eating-related content on social media is linked to negative body image and eating behaviour.

Motivation

The Number-One Tip for Setting “Good” Goals

Jessica M Alleva Ph.D. on November 9, 2023

If you're thinking about forming New Year's resolutions, this is the most important thing to keep in mind to create the "best" goals.

If you're thinking about forming New Year's resolutions, this is the most important thing to keep in mind to create the "best" goals.

Body Image

The Relationship Between Nature and Body Image

Jessica M Alleva Ph.D. on July 3, 2023

Spending time in nature can be a turning point from negative to positive body image. Here's why.

Spending time in nature can be a turning point from negative to positive body image. Here's why.

Body Image

Positive Body Image and Eating Disorders Among Men

Jessica M Alleva Ph.D. on July 11, 2022

How does the way men feel about their body impact their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors around eating? This study investigated these relationships among men over one year.

How does the way men feel about their body impact their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors around eating? This study investigated these relationships among men over one year.

Intelligence

What Impacts Women's Attitudes Toward Cosmetic Surgery?

Jessica M Alleva Ph.D. on April 28, 2022

Cosmetic surgery is on the rise, worldwide. New research investigates what impacts women's attitudes toward cosmetic surgery and how these may differ across cultures.

Cosmetic surgery is on the rise, worldwide. New research investigates what impacts women's attitudes toward cosmetic surgery and how these may differ across cultures.

Bias

Identifying as Fat: Can It Buffer Weight Discrimination?

Jessica M Alleva Ph.D. on April 7, 2022

Weight-based discrimination is prevalent and harms well-being. A new study investigates the potential buffering effect of "fat-group identification."

Weight-based discrimination is prevalent and harms well-being. A new study investigates the potential buffering effect of "fat-group identification."

Relationships

The Cosmetic Surgery Paradox

Jessica M Alleva Ph.D. on January 24, 2022

Modern women are both encouraged to undergo cosmetic surgery and condemned for doing so. A recent review explains why this "cosmetic surgery paradox" exists.

Modern women are both encouraged to undergo cosmetic surgery and condemned for doing so. A recent review explains why this "cosmetic surgery paradox" exists.

Media

Why Body-Positive Social Media May Be Good for You

Jessica M Alleva Ph.D. on November 22, 2021

The body-positive movement has become increasingly visible on social media as an antidote to beauty-ideal imagery. But does it actually contribute to positive body image?

The body-positive movement has become increasingly visible on social media as an antidote to beauty-ideal imagery. But does it actually contribute to positive body image?