Abstract
This article examines the widespread and complex issue of bodily discontent amongst women of faith, highlighting its significance for individuals, pastoral care, and the church. The research seeks to understand the causes, manifestations, and pastoral implications of bodily discontent, focusing on a key question: how can spiritual and theological perspectives foster healing beyond secular psychological approaches? The study argues that for believing women, bodily discontent is not merely superficial dissatisfaction with appearance but a deep sense of existential unrest and spiritual emptiness, often described as a “heart emptiness” that worldly substitutes cannot fill (Eldredge and Eldredge 2021).
The theoretical framework combines social science and practical theology. First, it employs the tripartite influence model of Thompson et al. (1999) to explain the sociocultural roots of body image issues, emphasising three main sources: parental expectations, peer interactions, and media portrayals. These influences operate through the internalisation of cultural ideals and social comparison, whereby women measure themselves against often unrealistic standards (McComb and Mills 2022). The article explains how modern media exacerbates bodily discontent by spreading digitally altered, idealised body images, creating a cycle of comparison and perceived inadequacy known as the “Barbie Bondage Syndrome” – a façade of external conformity masking internal emptiness and distress.
The study also applies Osmer’s (2008) hermeneutical framework within practical theology, structuring the pastoral inquiry through four tasks: describing what is happening, interpreting why, determining what ought to happen, and exploring appropriate responses. This process is guided by a diaconiological epistemology, rooted in Scripture and Christian doctrine, which affirms that Biblical truths about creation, the Fall, and redemption through Christ provide the essential foundation for an effective pastoral response, surpassing secular models (Osmer 2008; Janse van Rensburg 2000).
Methodologically, the study relies on a comprehensive literature review spanning theology, psychology, sociology, and pastoral care, complemented by Biblical exegesis and case examples that incorporate spiritual dimensions into the analysis of bodily discontent. This diaconiological approach ensures Biblical principles serve as the foundation for interpretation and pastoral action, offering a normative and pragmatic guide to healing. The findings show that bodily discontent is influenced by various factors, with external pressures from media and society promoting unrealistic thin ideals as primary catalysts (McComb and Mills 2022; Mills, Minister and Samson2022). However, these external influences do not cause bodily discontent on their own; they interact with internal cognitive factors such as perfectionism, dysfunctional thoughts, and distorted self-perceptions that internalise these standards and sustain the cycle (Cash 2008).
A key discovery is the strong link between bodily discontent and a spiritual void – specifically, a failure to base one’s identity and worth on God’s unconditional love and the truth of being created in God’s image. This spiritual emptiness drives women to seek fulfilment and validation in worldly pursuits like appearance, shopping, overworking, or disordered eating habits, which ultimately deepen the inner void (Lelwica 1999). The consequences are serious, including low self-esteem, negative emotions, and clinical eating disorders such as anorexia and bulimia nervosa, which are prevalent across diverse South African demographics, transcending ethnic, cultural, and socio-economic lines (Barlow, Durand, Hofmann, Plessis and Visser 2023).
A crucial conclusion is that secular therapeutic methods often fall short for believing women because they overlook this vital spiritual aspect. Therefore, the article advocates for an integrated, holistic approach combining cognitive-behavioural strategies with biblically grounded pastoral care. Christian adaptations of therapies such as Rational-Emotive Behaviour Therapy are effective in restructuring distorted thoughts by replacing unbiblical beliefs (e.g., “my worth is determined by my weight”) with scriptural affirmations (e.g., being God’s beloved creation, the temple of the Holy Spirit), fostering both cognitive and spiritual growth (Clinton and Hawkins 2011).
Emphasising Clinebell’s (1984) holistic liberation-growth model, the article highlights its value in fostering self-acceptance and wholeness. This model promotes balanced development across six interconnected dimensions: relationship with God, cognitive processes, the physical body, interpersonal relationships, meaningful institutions, and nature. It empowers women experiencing bodily discontent to break free from negative thinking and achieve a healthy balance among body, soul, and spirit, moving beyond an exclusive focus on physical appearance. To put this into practice, the researcher adapted Clinebell’s model into a practical diagram illustrating the importance of maintaining holistic balance. This visual tool places a deep, nurturing relationship with God at its centre, serving as the foundation and source of strength for self-acceptance and healing. It encourages women to consciously prioritise their spiritual connection while also caring for their cognitive, physical, and relational health, providing a clear guide for recovery.
Ultimately, the article concludes that resolving bodily discontent requires an integrated pastoral approach that courageously addresses its social, mental, biological, and spiritual roots. The relationship with God is identified as the key to transformation, enabling women to overcome destructive comparisons and internalised falsehoods. Rebuilding their self-worth on divine affirmation and unconditional love allows women to move from bondage, emptiness, and dissatisfaction to liberation, fulfilment, and holistic well-being, finding their true identities not in cultural ideals but in God.
Keywords: bodily discontent; body image; holistic; pastoral; woman
Lees die volledige artikel in Afrikaans
Die liggaamsonvergenoegdheid van die gelowige vrou: ’n holistiese pastorale perspektief