This scholarly work is the most comprehensive existing resource on human physical appearance-how people s outer physical characteristics and their inner perceptions and attitudes about their own appearance (body image) affect their lives. The encyclopedia s 117 full-length chapters are composed and edited by the world s experts from a range of disciplines-social, behavioral, and biomedical sciences. The extensive topical coverage in this valuable reference work includes: (1) Important theories, perspectives, and concepts for understanding body image and appearance; (2) Scientific measurement of body image and physical attributes (anthropometry); (3) The development and determinants of human appearance and body image over the lifespan: (4) How culture and society influences the meanings of human appearance; (5) The psychosocial effects of appearance-altering disease, damage, and visible differences; (6) Appearance self-change and self-management; (7) The prevention and treatment of body image problems, including psychosocial and medical interventions. Chapters are written in a manner that is accessible and informative to a wide audience, including the educated public, college and graduate students, and scientists and clinical practitioners. Each well-organized chapter provides a glossary of definitions of any technical terms and a Further Reading section of recommended sources for continued learning about the topic.

Available online via ScienceDirect or in a limited-release print version.

The Encyclopedia of Body Image and Human Appearance is a unique

reference for a growing area of scientific inquiry. It brings together in one source the research from

experts in a variety of fields examining this psychological and sociological phenomenon. The breadth of

topics covered, and the current fascination with this subject area ensure this reference will be of interest

to researchers and a lay audience alike."

The standard reference for practitioners, researchers, and students, this acclaimed work brings together internationally recognized experts from diverse mental health, medical, and allied health care disciplines. Contributors review established and emerging theories and findings; probe questions of culture, gender, health, and disorder; and present evidence-based assessment, treatment, and prevention approaches for the full range of body image concerns. Capturing the richness and complexity of the field in a readily accessible format, each of the 53 concise chapters concludes with an informative annotated bibliography. New to this edition: addresses the most urgent current questions in the field reflects significant advances in key areas: assessment, body image in boys and men, obesity, illness-related body image issues, and cross-cultural research Conceptual Foundations part now incorporates evolutionary, genetic, and positive psychology perspectives increased coverage of prevention (four chapters instead of two).This book will be important reading for clinical psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, and counselors; medical doctors in a range of specialties; allied health professionals; and students and researchers in these fields. It may also serve as a text in graduate-level courses.