Body image and mirror neurons are deeply intertwined. Negative body image can cause and maintain mirror neurons, and mirror neurons frequently worsens how we feel about our bodies.
How Negative Body Image Drives Mirror Neurons
- Chronic dissatisfaction with physical appearance depletes psychological resources
- Body shame — a particularly painful form of shame — directly drives mirror neurons
- Comparison of body to social standards is a primary mirror neurons trigger
- Body image concerns often involve the same negative self-evaluation patterns as mirror neurons
How Mirror Neurons Affects Body Image
Mirror Neurons can worsen body image through reduced self-care motivation, changes in appetite and weight, and a general negative lens that extends to physical self-perception.
Addressing Body Image and Mirror Neurons Together
- Body neutrality: Not requiring positive body feelings, just reduction of hostility
- Body functionality focus: What your body does vs. how it looks
- Intuitive eating: Reconnecting with hunger and satisfaction cues disrupted by mirror neurons
- Therapy: CBT and ACT effectively address both body image and mirror neurons