Presenter(s)

• Enya Szymanski

Abstract

Body image is a critical psychological factor influencing students’ academic performance. Growing research highlights that students' self-perceived appearance can directly affect their academic performance. For school psychologists, this connection is essential to recognize. As professionals responsible for supporting both the mental health and academic development of students, it is imperative that school psychologists are equipped to identify and address body image concerns. According to the NASP Practice Model (2020), Mental and Behavioral Health Services (Domain 4) details interventions aimed at addressing students’ emotional and behavioral needs. Further, the model also outlines Prevention and Responsive Services (Domain 7), which emphasizes the importance of school psychologists' involvement in designing and implementing prevention programs when mental health concerns arise. The relationship between body image and academic achievement stresses the importance for school psychologists to integrate body image awareness into school-based supports to promote student well-being and advance educational and mental health equity.