Report on Student Collaboration Activity Series – II Webinar on “Understanding Body Image”

The Department of Fundamentals of Nursing, Manipal College of Nursing (MCON), Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), organized a webinar titled “Understanding Body Image” on 29 January 2026, from 03:00 PM to 05:30 PM, as part of the Student Collaboration Activity Series – II. The session was conducted via the Microsoft Teams platform in collaboration with the University of Liverpool, London.

The webinar commenced with an introductory overview by Dr. Tony Bewely, Adjunct Faculty, MCON and Honorary Lecturer, University of Liverpool, along with Dr. Linu Sara George, Head of the Department, Fundamentals of Nursing, MCON. The objectives of the session were outlined, focusing on understanding body image through personal experiences, cultural contexts, clinical sensitivity, and research evidence.

The first session featured Ms. Beth, who shared her lived experiences of managing life with multiple disabilities. She highlighted resilience, adaptations to daily life, and the significant role of empathetic communication by healthcare professionals. She emphasized that supportive communication can positively influence patient wellbeing, whereas insensitive remarks may result in lasting emotional impact. She also addressed the mental health challenges associated with disability.

The second session on “Body Image from an Indian Perspective” was delivered by Ms. Ankita Pal, MSc Nursing Student, MCON. She discussed gender-based societal conditioning and cultural expectations influencing body image perceptions. The session also examined the influence of social media, emphasizing its role in shaping self-perception and body acceptance.

Ms. Charmaine Manjengwa from the University of Liverpool presented a session on Clinical Sensitivity and Care, highlighting the importance of compassionate, knowledgeable, and empathetic healthcare delivery for young individuals experiencing body image concerns.

The final session, “Perception of Body Image: Clinical Insights from Patient Care,” was presented by Ms. Preejana Sharma, PhD Scholar, MCON. She shared clinical research findings and discussed the practical implications of body image perceptions in patient care settings.

The webinar concluded with an interactive discussion and a vote of thanks by Ms. Aarushi Kaushal, MCON. A total of 51 participants attended the session, including 32 participants from MCON and 19 from the University of Liverpool.

The webinar strengthened international academic collaboration and contributed to the UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals.