by Fairuz Nawar Aaka
Introduction
Body image refers to how an individual perceives and feels about their physical appearance. Teenagers, in particular, are vulnerable to body image issues due to the physical, emotional, and social changes they undergo during adolescence. These issues are often amplified by external influences, such as media portrayals and peer comparisons. As teens navigate these changes, they frequently struggle with body dissatisfaction, which can significantly affect their emotional well-being. According to Cash and Pruzinsky (2004), body image is a critical factor in shaping self-esteem, emotional health, and mental well-being, particularly in the teenage years.
Body Image and Self-Esteem
There is a strong connection between body image and self-esteem. Negative body image, characterised by dissatisfaction with one's physical appearance, often leads to lowered self-esteem. This dissatisfaction can contribute to feelings of inadequacy, shame, and self-doubt. Fardouly et al. (2015) found that young women who engage in social comparisons on platforms like Facebook often experience heightened body image concerns, which negatively impact their mood and self-esteem. The pressure to conform to societal beauty standards can create a sense of unworthiness, which erodes self-confidence.
The influence of peers and societal standards plays a significant role in shaping a teenager's perception of their body. Teenagers, especially during adolescence, are highly susceptible to social comparisons, which can lead to unhealthy body image perceptions. Social media
further exacerbates this, creating a false sense of reality by showcasing idealised, often digitally altered images that are unattainable. This results in increased self-criticism and unhealthy comparisons among peers. Grabe, Ward, and Hyde (2008) highlighted that media portrayals of ideal body types, particularly in magazines and television, significantly contribute to body image concerns, especially among young women.
Emotional Health Implications
Body image dissatisfaction is closely linked to several mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, and eating disorders. Zucker et al. (2014) demonstrated that self-focused attention in individuals with anorexia nervosa is often triggered by negative body image perceptions. This inward focus on perceived flaws leads to anxiety and depression, as individuals become consumed by their appearance. In more severe cases, body image concerns may lead to eating disorders such as anorexia, bulimia, or binge eating, which have lasting effects on emotional and physical health.
Additionally, body image issues can negatively impact a teenager's social life. Adolescents who struggle with body dissatisfaction may isolate themselves, avoiding social situations due to embarrassment or fear of judgment. Bullying and body shaming, often exacerbated by peer pressure, can further contribute to these feelings of isolation and low self-worth. This, in turn, can hinder their ability to form healthy relationships and maintain positive social interactions. Betz and Ramsey (2017) emphasised that media messages surrounding body ideals create a societal divide, leaving many young people feeling excluded or inferior, further damaging their emotional health.
The psychological stress caused by the constant striving to meet unrealistic beauty standards is another significant consequence of negative body image. As teenagers constantly compare themselves to idealised images in the media, they may experience heightened stress and low mood. Tsitskari (2023) found that individuals who focus heavily on achieving a certain body type, often driven by media portrayals or societal trends, face greater emotional distress. This psychological strain can lead to confusion regarding identity and a weakened sense of self.
Coping Mechanisms and Interventions
Promoting a positive body image is crucial in mitigating the emotional and psychological consequences of body dissatisfaction. Strategies for fostering a healthier self-image include media literacy programs, which help teenagers critically assess and deconstruct the unrealistic portrayals of beauty they encounter. Focusing on internal qualities, such as intelligence, kindness, and creativity, rather than solely on external appearance, can help shift the focus away from physical attributes and encourage self-acceptance.
Support systems, such as family, friends, and mental health professionals, are essential in helping teenagers cope with body image struggles. A supportive network can offer encouragement and validate feelings, helping to build resilience against societal pressures. Additionally, therapeutic approaches such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) or body-positive counselling can assist teens in overcoming negative body image perceptions. These therapies focus on challenging harmful thoughts and beliefs, helping adolescents develop healthier attitudes towards their bodies.
Conclusion
Body image issues are a significant factor in the emotional and psychological health of teenagers. Negative body image, driven by social comparisons, media portrayals, and peer pressure, can lead to low self-esteem, anxiety, depression, and eating disorders. Promoting positive body image through media literacy, focusing on internal qualities, and providing supportive environments can help teens navigate body image challenges. It is essential to continue to raise awareness and encourage collective efforts to foster body positivity and self-acceptance among young people.
References
● Cash, T. F., & Pruzinsky, T. (Eds.). (2004). Body image: A handbook of theory, research, and clinical practice. Guilford Press.
● Fardouly, J., Diedrichs, P. C., Vartanian, L. R., & Halliwell, E. (2015). Social comparisons on social media: The impact of Facebook on young women’s body
image concerns and mood. Body Image, 13, 38–45.
● Grabe, S., Ward, L. M., & Hyde, J. S. (2008). The role of the media in body image concerns among women: A meta-analysis of experimental and correlational studies. Psychological Bulletin, 134(3), 460–476.
● Betz, D. E., & Ramsey, L. R. (2017). Should women be “All About That Bass?”: Diverse body-ideal messages and women’s body image. Body Image, 22, 18–31. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bodyim.2017.04.004
● American Psychological Association. (n.d.). Self-focused attention in anorexia nervosa. https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2009-01417-002
● Zucker, N., Wagner, H. R., Merwin, R., Bulik, C. M., Moskovich, A., Keeling, L., & Hoyle, R. (2014). Self-focused attention in anorexia nervosa. International Journal of Eating Disorders, 48(1), 9–14. https://doi.org/10.1002/eat.22307
● Tsitskari, E. (2023). Body image assessment of fitness centers’ members and behavioral intentions: Can we actually achieve members’ retention? Retos, 49, 270–278. https://doi.org/10.47197/retos.v49.98121
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