Avoiding vulnerability is a common body-focused repetitive behaviors response that ultimately worsens it. Understanding the paradoxical relationship between vulnerability and body-focused repetitive behaviors opens new pathways for recovery.
How Avoiding Vulnerability Maintains Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors
- Concealing body-focused repetitive behaviors from others prevents the connection that would help
- The energy required to maintain a facade when body-focused repetitive behaviors is high is enormous
- Shame about body-focused repetitive behaviors thrives in secrecy — vulnerability interrupts this
- Authentic expression of body-focused repetitive behaviors often elicits the support that reduces it
Brené Brown's Research Relevance to Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors
Brown's research shows that people with high levels of shame (common in body-focused repetitive behaviors) avoid vulnerability — which paradoxically increases shame and body-focused repetitive behaviors. Courage to be vulnerable interrupts this cycle.
Practicing Vulnerability with Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors
Start small: share one authentic feeling with one trusted person. The feared negative response usually doesn't materialize — and when it doesn't, confidence in vulnerability builds.