Media & Body Image Check
A body image media-literacy worksheet auditing media sources and their emotional effect, with curating strategies and a media-savvy reminder.
1-page fillable PDF · US Letter (prints on A4) · Media literacy · Body image
- Approach / concern
- Body Image & Eating
- Technique
- Media literacy · Body image
- Format
- Fillable PDF, 1 page (US Letter / A4)
- Access
- Pro and Advanced plans (3-day free trial)
- For
- Licensed clinicians to use with clients
- Updated
- October 2026
Key facts
What is the Media & Body Image Check?
Media literacy approaches help people critically evaluate media images and reduce internalization of narrow appearance ideals. Curating media exposure is a practical step for body image.
Why it works
A meta-analysis found media exposure is associated with body image concerns among women (Grabe et al., 2008). Positive body image involves filtering information in self-protective ways (Tylka & Wood-Barcalow, 2015).
When to use it
- Body dissatisfaction and eating concerns
- Teens and young adults
- Social media comparison
- Body image groups
How to use it in session
- Audit media sources and effects.
- Choose sources to keep, limit or unfollow.
- Add diverse, non-appearance content.
- Practise labelling comparison thoughts.
- Review after two weeks.
Clinician tips
- Avoid shaming media use; focus on choice.
- Diverse representation helps many clients.
- Combine with body neutrality work.
Worked example
Sharing with clients
Members can download the PDF to print or email, or copy a private client link from the download box. Your client opens the link and downloads the worksheet on any device. No client account is needed, and nothing your client writes is stored on TherapyAid.
Frequently asked questions
Does social media cause body image problems?
It can contribute, especially through appearance comparisons, though effects vary between people.
Should I quit social media?
Not necessarily. Curating what you see can make a big difference.
References
Grabe, S., Ward, L. M., & Hyde, J. S. (2008). The role of the media in body image concerns among women: A meta-analysis of experimental and correlational studies. Psychological Bulletin, 134(3), 460-476.
Tylka, T. L., & Wood-Barcalow, N. L. (2015). What is and what is not positive body image? Conceptual foundations and construct definition. Body Image, 14, 118-129.
This worksheet is an educational tool for use by, or under the guidance of, a licensed or registered mental-health professional. It is not a diagnostic instrument or a substitute for clinical judgement. If a client is in crisis in Canada, call or text 9-8-8 or call 9-1-1.
