Body image distortions in pre-adolescents and preventative programs: a literature review

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine whether elementary students are experiencing poor body images and also to see if preventative services related to this area have been reported as being effective. Childhood body image was discussed in detail. A history of the literature regarding childhood body image uncovered countless studies that reported adolescent and pre-adolescent children experiencing body image distortions. These studies noted that body image problems could begin as early as seven years of age. Potential causes for these body image distortions were examined. Media was addressed as being a major influence regarding students’ self-perception. This media tends to focus on idealized beauty and thinness. Parental and peer influences were also noted as being significant. Parents who make comments about their child’s weight can initiate dangerous beliefs and behaviors related to body image. Also, peers who tease students, particularly girls, have been thought to have similar effects on body perceptions. Child abuse has also been reported as having influence over body image dissatisfaction. These causal factors have been identified in order to attempt to provide meaningful ways for prevention to take place. Preventative programs were analyzed, subsequently. Several prevention programs were addressed based on effectiveness or ineffectiveness of the interventions. Although some programs were noted as having ineffective or even harmful results, the majority of studies were discussed as reporting that body image prevention programs are beneficial in the schools. Finally, the research was analyzed and discussed. A summary of findings was presented and conclusions were made. A discussion of possible recommendations and future research in this area was made available.