Body Dissatisfaction in Adolescent Boys and Girls: Objectified Body Consciousness, Internalization of the Media Body Ideal and Perceived Pressure from Media

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to examine a theoretical model describing the relationships between body shame and body surveillance (components of objectified body consciousness), internalization of the media body ideal, perceived pressure from media, body mass index and body dissatisfaction in Swiss adolescent boys and girls. A sample of 819 boys and 791 girls aged 14-16 years completed selfreport measures of the mentioned concepts. As expected, girls had higher body shame and body surveillance than boys. Structural equation modelling supported the proposed model in both boys and girls. The findings suggest processes that may contribute to body dissatisfaction.

The meaning of the body schema in reaching maturity during late adolescence

“…During the adolescence period, when a significant body transformation takes place and the body gains feminine or masculine attributes, girls' and boys' preoccupation with their own body becomes very intense (Smolak, 2004). Its most common effect is dissatisfaction with one's external appearance, which can be experienced as dissatisfaction with oneself (Eisenberg et al, 2006;Knauss et al, 2008;Presnell et al, 2004). There is a risk that the process of identity shaping will be dominated by the processes of shaping the silhouette and external looks (Markey, 2010).…”

Biopsychosocial Model of Dietary Restraint in Early Adolescent Boys

“…For Swiss male adolescents in seventh through twelfth grade, Knauss et al (2008) found that pressures from the media to lose weight was related to increases in internalization of the physical lean and muscular ideal. Amongst male undergraduates, social pressures from family members and the media to have a muscular and lean body were associated with internalization of a lean and muscular physical ideal (Tylka, 2011).…”

A Biopsychosocial Model of Dietary Restraint in Early Adolescent Boys

“…Researchers have demonstrated that social weight pressures are associated with higher levels of internalization in boys (e.g., Knauss, Paxton, & Alsaker, 2008;Rodgers, Ganchou, Franko, & Chabrol, 2012;Tylka, 2011). For Swiss male adolescents in seventh through twelfth grade, Knauss et al (2008) found that pressures from the media to lose weight was related to increases in internalization of the physical lean and muscular ideal.…”