Cultivating a Positive Body

Image in StudentsAUTHORS:• Chelsee Poskey• Beth Schirmer• Layne Alexander• Alex Cramer

Body Image Body image is how someone feels about his

or her own physical appearance. Many times popular media distorts what is

honest and true in society. Body image can be different for individuals. Influences on body image:

Peers TV Movies Magazines

Boys Lots of guys often have high expectations for puberty,

thinking that they’ll develop quickly or in a certain way. Nearly 1/3 of teen boys try to control their weight in

unhealthy ways, like skipping meals, taking laxatives, or smoking (Neumark-Sztanier, 2005).

25% of anorexic and bulimic adults and 40% of binge eaters are men (Harvard, 2007).

60% of preteens and teens feel that they weigh too much and that their lives would be improved if they could attain their goal weight (Pangea media, 2009).

Dennis Quaid and Elton John

Girls According to a survey of adolescent girls, the media

was identified as the primary source of information about health issues (Commonwealth Fund, 1997).

A study of mass media magazines revealed that women's magazines had 10.5 times more advertisements and articles promoting weight loss than men's magazines (Guillen & Barr, 1994).

Frequent music video viewing may be a risk factor for increased perceived importance of appearance and increased weight concerns among adolescent girls (Borzekowski, Robinson, & Killen, 1999).

(http://www.socialworkers.org/practice/adolescent_health/ah0204.asp)

Solutions as Adults Reality – make sure you teach your children

realistic expectations for themselves. Make sure that you are not overly critical of

your own body; make sure to set a good example for them.

At younger ages, make sure that you emphasize and teach them healthy eating habits over “good looks”

Check in and talk with you son (and daughter) when they are older, keep communication lines over.

VIDEO http://www.youtube.com/watch?

v=DnJQJFlyDGY

Common Questions What is meant by the term “body

image?” Is it wrong to be concerned about how

you look? And what are the signs that someone is obsessed with their appearance?

How can I have a good body image when society’s view of my size is so negative?