A Beginner’s Guide to Decolonizing Body Image

Background and aims: Empirical analyses document the majority of psychology’s teaching and research is dominated by those in the Global North. Historically, psychology provided the intellectual justification for eugenics. Today, students, some staff and the BPS increasingly advocate for a psychology that is globally relevant and that acknowledges racism’s pernicious influence on human behaviour. Method: This poster will highlight practical examples of decolonial content that shows the impact of racism on human behaviour and/or considers psychological topics from specific Global Southern perspectives. The practical case for decolonizing psychology is also summarized. Findings: One decolonial example is the acknowledgment of appearance pressures' intersection with racism through colourism, afro-hair discrimination and the practise of fashion, toy and beauty manufacturing largely in Global Southern sweatshops (e.g., Bangladesh). Other oft taught psychology topics, including the self and cognition, can be considered from Indian, Ubuntu and other perspectives. Conclusion: The case for decolonizing psychology including body image is strong. Repositories, guidance and examples for curricula and research decolonisation are increasingly available. This should reassure those keen to begin but unsure of how to do so.