Influence of media on shaping of body image in adolecents
Keywords:
body image, BMI, satisfaction with the bodyAbstract
This study investigated the nature of body image and body change wishes, as well as the influences of media on these variables, among a group of 462 adolescents (276 girls and 186 boys. In particular, it investigated weight gain and increased muscle, as well as weight loss. It was found that girls were less satisfied with their bodies and were more likely to adopt strategies to lose weight, whereas boys were more likely to adopt strategies to increase mass and muscle strength. Respondents with higher body mass index (BMI) evidenced greater body dissatisfaction and more weight loss strategies, but there were no differences between BMI groups in weight gain or strategies to increase muscles. Weight gain and strategies to increase muscles were more likely to be undertaken by older adolescents, but there were no grade level differences in weight loss. Media influences to alter satisfaction with the body and wishes to change some of its characteristics. The importance of these findings in terms of providing a better understanding of factors which may lead to a disturbed body image and body change disorders, particularly among adolescent boys is discussed.
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