Body Image and Sociocultural
Body Image The bodies of girls and boys are often depicted in stereotypical and sexist ways in the media. Films, videos and advertising feature slim, toned bodies devoid of imperfections. These images are usually touched up, however, using special software, and present an unrealistic or unhealthy body image. Because they promote only one model of beauty, these images can lead to many psychological, physiological and interpersonal problems for young people. And even if they affect girls and boys differently, the main consequence is basically the same for both: they become dissatisfied with how they look. While girls generally want to slim down, boys tend to focus on achieving increased muscle mass. To learn more about how the media affects young people’s development, go to the Effects of Hypersexualization page. Development of a body image Developing a healthy body image is essential for good physical and mental health. Here are some factors that positively or negative...