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 negatively influence the development of a person’s body image:

• Family behaviour, for example, a parent who openly criticizes themselves because of their weight in front of their child
• Judgments about others, particularly making fun of people who may seem overweight
• Physical features (such as the length of a person’s nose, the size of their breasts or the colour of their skin) that may or may not conform to the standards promoted by the media
• Psychological characteristics, such as a person’s capacity for learning or their social skills and personality, because self-confidence protects a person against mockery and insults

Tips for fostering a healthy body image

As an adult, you play a key role in children’s construction of a healthy body image. You are a role model for them, and the comments you make and the activities you offer them have a direct influence on the amount and kind of attention they devote to their physical appearance. Explaining to children that each person must take care of their body and lead a healthy lifestyle in order to be healthy is much more useful than showing them how to take care of their appearance.

Here is some practical advice to help children develop a positive and healthy body image:

• Increase sensory input (rocking, cuddling, caressing) to teach children, from an early age, that the body can be a source of pleasure and comfort.
• Encourage children to pay attention to physical sensations (hunger, feeling of fullness after eating, fatigue).
• Avoid comments about your own body and weight and about “foods one shouldn’t eat” (foods that “make you fat”).
• Plan regular family mealtimes to help children develop a healthy relationship with food.
• Do not force children to eat if they do not feel like it. Do not deprive them of certain foods or refuse them a second serving if they are still hungry.
• Do not use food as a reward for good behaviour.
• Do not talk about diets, weight-loss programs, etc.
• Show children role models who are comfortable with who they are, regardless of weight or shape.
• Give children ample opportunities to play outside and take part in active games.
• Encourage children to participate in activities like soccer, dance and the martial arts so that they can improve their physical abilities and feel competent.
• When you give children a compliment, you can obviously compliment them on how they look, to help them to like themselves the way they are. But make sure that you also praise other aspects, such as their personality.
• Teach respect and do not tolerate mockery or taunting, especially if it relates to physical appearance. Teach your child how to respond to taunts and talk to them about the consequences of bullying.
• Teach children to be critical of manipulated or doctored images (e.g. Photoshop).
• Before children reach adolescence, talk with them about the changes their bodies will undergo at puberty. Also discuss genetics and different types of body shape.