Body image in girls.

Abstract

Positive body image plays a vital role in fostering healthy psychological and physical development in girls. Conversely, poor body image has a wide range of negative consequences. In this chapter we provide a general back ground about the nature of body image in girls and the consequences of poor body image. We describe epidemiological research and risk factors related to body image and body disturbance in girls. Models for the development of body image disturbance are also described. Finally, prospective research examining the negative consequences of body dissatisfaction and appearance concerns, particularly related to dieting, disordered eating, depression, and self-esteem, are reviewed. OVERVIEW OF BODY IMAGE DISTURBANCE Range of Body Image DisturbanceBody image is generally considered a multidimensional construct, cov ering cognitive, affective, and behavioral dimensions (Thompson, Heinberg, 47

Quality of life and psychological functioning in pediatric obesity: the role of body image dissatisfaction between girls and boys of different ages

“…This could be considered an unexpected finding given the gender differences on BID reported in previous studies, with girls reporting higher levels of BID than boys [33,37]. Nevertheless, it should be emphasized that the absence of a moderating effect of gender is not the same as the absence of gender differences.…”

“…During adolescence, there are several unique biological and psychosocial challenges (e.g., puberty-related changes, school transitions) that may negatively influence individual psychosocial adjustment [1,20] and contribute to a heightened dissatisfaction with appearance [34,36]. Gender differences have also been found, with girls reporting higher levels of BID than boys [33,37]. In general, girls are more likely to worry about thinness, whereas boys tend to be concerned with their weight and muscularity [33,38,39].…”

Little girls in a grown up world: Exposure to sexualized media, internalization of sexualization messages, and body image in 6–9 year-old girls

“…The finding adds further support to the suggestion that by age 6 girls have already begun to internalize contemporary sociocultural beauty ideals. This is particularly concerning given the demonstrated links between body dissatisfaction and other negative psychological health outcomes such as disordered eating (Stice, 2002) and reduced self-esteem (Wertheim, Paxton, & Blaney, 2009). …”

Contemporary girlhood: Maternal reports on sexualized behaviour and appearance concern in 4–10 year-old girls

“…For example, in their review of girls' body image, Wertheim, Paxton, and Blaney (2009) reported estimates of between 40 and 50 per cent for the number of pre-adolescent girls wishing to be thinner. Although most of the studies have sampled girls aged 9 years and above, some research indicates that weight concerns arise earlier, around 5 to 6 years of age (Davison, Markey, & Birch, 2000Dohnt & Tiggemann, 2005, 2006a.…”

“…Although most of the studies have sampled girls aged 9 years and above, some research indicates that weight concerns arise earlier, around 5 to 6 years of age (Davison, Markey, & Birch, 2000Dohnt & Tiggemann, 2005, 2006a. Furthermore, as is the case with adult and adolescent women, pre-adolescent body dissatisfaction has been implicated as a precursor for subsequent dieting and disordered eating, as well as poorer psychological well-being (Smolak & Thompson, 2009;Wertheim et al, 2009).…”