Adolescent Body Image

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Adolescent Body Image

Adolescence is a developmental period with many physical changes for both females and males. It can be frustrating for adolescents to understand and cope with these physical changes. These frustrations are exacerbated by peer and media pressure to have an idealized body image, and are compounded by the availability of high fat and calorie food, along with media and peer pressure to consume such food. The combination of these factors can prove overwhelming for some adolescents, creating the potential for eating disorders such as anorexia, bulimia, or overeating.

To prepare for this Discussion, consider how the genders differ in their concerns over weight and body image. Also take a position on media influences on weight and body image and find a media example to support your position.

You are asked to share the media example you selected. You should either provide a link to, or scan an image from, a magazine or newspaper or provide a link to a video clip from the Internet.

With these thoughts in mind:

Post by Day 4 an explanation of how adolescent males and females differ, generally, in their concern about weight and body image today. Explain your position on the influence of media on the differences evident in this age group, both contemporaneously and historically. Support your positions with appropriate citations and references to illustrate how these concerns have evolved. Cite your references using APA format. Provide links to the media example you selected.

Be sure to support your postings and responses with specific references to the Learning Resources.

Readings

  • Halse, C., Honey, A., & Boughtwood, D. (2007). Living with anorexia nervosa. In Inside anorexia: The experiences of girls and their families (pp. 15–30). London: Jessica Kingsley Publishers.
    Retrieved from the Walden Library databases.
  • Boutelle, K. N., Hannan, P., Fulkerson, J. A., Crow, S. J., & Stice, E. (2010). Obesity as a prospective predictor of depression in adolescent females. Health Psychology, 29(3), 293–298.
    Retrieved from the Walden Library databases.
  • Pratt, K. J., Lamson, A. L., Collier, D. N., Crawford, Y. S., Harris, N., Gross, K., & Saporito, M. (2009). Camp golden treasures: A multidisciplinary weight-loss and a healthy lifestyle camp for adolescent girls. Families, Systems, & Health, 27(1), 116–124.
    Retrieved from the Walden Library databases.
  • Starkey, K., & Wade, T. (2010). Disordered eating in girls with type 1 diabetes: Examining directions for prevention. Clinical Psychologist, 14(1), 2–9.
    Retrieved from the Walden Library databases.
  • Stice, E., Presnell, K., & Spangler, D. (2002). Risk factors for binge eating onset in adolescent girls: A 2-year prospective investigation. Health Psychology, 21(2), 131–138.
    Retrieved from the Walden Library databases.
  • Wang, S. S., Houshyar, S., & Prinstein, M. J. (2006). Adolescent girls’ and boys’ weight-related health behaviors and cognitions: Associations with reputation- and preference-based peer status. Health Psychology, 25(5), 658–663.
    Retrieved from the Walden Library databases.