Self-image and Body Image

Concerns about visual appearance and body image are something more commonly associated with women than men. However, this isn’t necessarily true, and the current chapter explores the way men discuss the impact of illness on their self-image and body image. This includes the way men discuss visible differences or physical changes to their bodies such as loss of muscle mass or hair loss. This also includes a consideration of the way men talk about dealing with the impact to their self-image and body image, which can be through attempts to hide visible signs of their condition or rejecting being treated in a way that reinforces a negative self-image.