What can I do with my body? Boys and girls facing body dissatisfaction

Abstract

The aim of this study is to investigate the role of body dissatisfaction (BD)conceived here as predicting, predicted and mediating variable-in relation to media influence, body mass index (BMI) and body modification strategies among adolescents, with particular attention to gender differences. Specifically, we investigate, through a multivariated model, the direct and mediated effect of internalization and pressure to conform to aesthetic ideals and BMI on engagement in body modification behaviours, namely eating problems, attitudes toward cosmetic surgery, body art and physical activity. A questionnaire designed to assess all these dimensions was administered to 843 Italian adolescents aged between 15 and 18 years. The findings confirm the available evidence on BD as predicted by a number of sociocultural and personal variables, and as predictive of adolescents' bodily attitudes and behaviours. Gendered differences in behaviours considered as 'ways out' from discomforting feelings about physical appearance are discussed.

Body mass index, personality traits, and body image in Italian pre-adolescents: An opportunity for overweight prevention

“…We found a close association between BI and BMI, but only in girls. This finding is consistent with the vast literature on gender differences, reporting a greater concern for body image and dissatisfaction with their body among girls and women (Biolcati et al, 2017;Grossbard, Neighbors, & Larimer, 2011;Paap & Gardner, 2011;Runfola et al, 2013).…”

“…In general, women and girls are less satisfied with their body than men and boys (e.g., Behdarvandi, Azarbarzin, & Baraz, 2017;Fiske, Fallon, Blissmer, & Redding, 2014;Lunde Frisén, & Hwang, 2007;Wong & Say, 2013), and perceive their body to be fatter than it actually is (Grossbard, Neighbors, & Larimer, 2011;Paap & Gardner, 2011;Runfola et al, 2013). Regardless of BMI, girls reported being more dissatisfied with their body than boys (Biolcati, Ghigi, Mameli, & Passini, 2017). Only a few studies, particularly studies of adults, have failed to detect gender differences in BI and the relationship between BI and BMI (Bhuiyan, Gustat, Srinivasan, & Berenson, 2003;Mäkinen et al, 2012).…”

Jovens Insatisfeitos com a Imagem Corporal: Estresse, Autoestima e Problemas Alimentares

“…Ainda em relação à imagem corporal, de acordo com as análises aqui apresentadas, meninas indicaram desejo de perder peso, e os garotos, em sua maioria, gostariam de aumentar sua massa muscular, confirmando estudos da área (Biolcati et al, 2016;Gondoli et al, 2012). Pritchard e Cramblitt (2014) focalizam ainda importante aspecto não aferido por esta pesquisa, mas que pode contribuir para compreensão do resultado no sexo masculino: homens que assistem mais televisão e leem revistas de saúde masculinas apresentam maior tendência querer um corpo musculoso.…”

“…Essa situação é agravada pela exposição dos adolescentes nas mídias sociais, como Facebook, Instagram, dentre outros, em que imagens e trocas de informações entre usuários funcionam como motivadores para a busca do corpo ideal (De Vries, Peter, De Graaf, & Nikken, 2016;Tiggemann & Slater, 2015). Há o desejo das mulheres por cirurgias plásticas e procedimentos estéticos, e dos homens, por moldar seu corpo via atividade física intensa (Biolcati, Ghigi, Mameli, & Passini, 2016). Gondoli, Corning, Salafia, Bucchianeri e Fitzsimmons (2012) acrescentam que o desejo de emagrecer das garotas teria relação com a pressão social por atingir um corpo magro.…”

‘And yet I’m an adult now’. The influence of parental criticism on women’s body satisfaction/dissatisfaction during emerging adulthood

“…Body dissatisfaction is the negative evaluation of body appearance or specific body features that the individual may develop in relation to his or her body image (Stice & Shaw, 2002). Gender difference has been widely described with respect to body image satisfaction, with women reporting higher levels of dissatisfaction than males (Biolcati, Ghigi, et al, 2017;Jackson, Johnson, Croker, & Wardle, 2015: Stice & Whitenton, 2002. Objectification theory (Fredrickson & Roberts, 1997) suggests that women of Western culture are repeatedly exposed to body objectification and that their appearance is used by others as a way of estimating their personal value.…”