Objective: The worksheet aims to teach learners about the concept of body image disorder and raise their awareness of the psychological effects of medical changes. It is designed to enable future nursing staff to provide sensitive support to patients experiencing shame, insecurity, and anxiety about their changed bodies.

Content and methods: The worksheet begins with a definition of body image and explains how a disorder develops. It initially focuses on the causes of body image disorders. It highlights the emotional and social effects such as shame and social withdrawal. Solutions such as professional support and self-help groups are mentioned. Learners are asked to summarize the text and answer open-ended questions about the effects of beauty ideals and media representations on body image. An exercise invites learners to reflect on their own body image and write a short letter to their body.

Skills:

• Psychological understanding: Learners understand the complex concept of body image disorder.
• Empathy: They learn to empathize with the emotional situation of patients with stomas.
• Self-reflection: They reflect on their own body image and its influence on their professional attitude.

Target group and level: Students and trainees