Body image relates to how we feel about our body and appearance, including how we see ourselves, how we think and feel about our body, as well as how we believe others perceive us. The way we think and feel about our appearance can vary. Sometimes, we may see ourselves positively and can feel good about ourselves. While other times, we may perceive ourselves negatively and might struggle with how we look. As a parent, there it can be heartbreaking to hear that their son or daughter are not happy with their body image.
There are evident gender differences in how people perceive and feel about their bodies. Research consistently shows us that boys and girls experience body image concerns in different ways, with girls generally reporting slightly higher levels of concern. Girls tend to be less satisfied with their bodies compared to boys. This difference seems to be influenced by socialised beauty standards. These often promote a “thin” ideal for females and emphasise “muscularity and strength” as the ideal for males.
Struggles with body image can occur at any stage of life. For young people, these issues become more relevant around adolescence and puberty. During this time, hormonal changes begin to influence both the body and mind. Girls typically develop wider hips and naturally carry more fat on their hips and thighs. Boys experience growth spurts, voice changes and the development of facial and body hair. As these physical changes develop at different rates for each individual, puberty can be a difficult period for teens. Teens may feel more vulnerable and self-conscious, as they try to understand their changing bodies. They also become more aware of their appearance and other people’s appearances.
Body dissatisfaction is the negative self-evaluation of one’s weight, shape or appearance. This can significantly affect teenagers’ mental health and self-esteem. It often develops when there is a mismatch between one’s perceived body image and their ideal body image. This mismatch can lead to body image distress, where teens may experience negative feelings about their bodies and appearance. This includes sadness, anxiety, anger, fear, disgust, or guilt.
Teens receive messages about body shapes, weight, and desirable appearance through interacting with social media, family, and peers. These are typically the primary core influences at play in the development of body image issues at adolescence.
Teens are exposed to “unrealistic ideal bodies” via media posts i.e. Instagram, TikTok, television, magazines and advertisements. Exposure to these can lead teens to internalise and value unrealistic ideals. These ideals then contribute to negative appearance-related comparisons with others. Research has consistently linked this to body dissatisfaction and psychological distress, including low self-esteem, anxiety and depression.
Parents’ attitudes towards diet, weight, shape and appearances are important. Research shows that parent comments and criticism about their child’s body can affect body dissatisfaction. Parents’ eating behaviours and attitudes towards their own bodies impacts children’s body dissatisfaction.
As children grow older, their peers also begin to play significant roles in reinforcing what an ideal body looks like. Studies show that friends can influence body image through appearance-based talk, comparisons, and teasing. Peer pressure to look a certain way can also increase body concerns among teens. Teen friendship groups typically share similar attitudes and behaviours toward body image. These influences have all been linked to greater body dissatisfaction and lower self-esteem.
As parents, we can sometime struggle to know what to do or say to our children when they are struggling with how they appear. You see how beautiful your child is but how can you help them?
Encourage media literacy: Have conversations about social media. This creates awareness around the content they can be exposed to online. We can support our children’s awareness by reminding them not to believe everything they read or see. Teach them that images and photographs can often be filtered, photoshopped or edited.
Set healthy boundaries on social media use: Children can benefit from having healthy boundaries around social media. Encourage breaks from social media. Offline or outdoor hobbies and physical activities can support appreciation of body functionality and health.
Encourage body positivity: How we talk about body image has a significant influence on young people’s body satisfaction. As parents, making positive comments to our children and encouraging body positivity can be protective. Statements such as ‘Your body helps you learn, play and explore the world’ and ‘I’m grateful to my body for supporting me to care for you’ shift the focus from the body’s appearance to its functionality.
Model Self-acceptance: Parents are role models for children. Demonstrating positive attitudes and beliefs about body image can influence children’s body satisfaction.
Validate their feelings: Body image is about how a person sees and feels about their own body. When your teen is upset, you can offer emotional support by being present and validating their emotions. This does not mean agreeing with them. Refrain from correcting their worries as this can feed into a negative body thought they may be experiencing. Giving them space to feel heard can be really supportive.
Self-care: Parents are only human too. Notice when you need space to connect with yourself. Address your own stress levels, so that you have more space to support your young person in navigating these issues.
This article was written by Diekololaoluwa Amujo, Psychology Assistant with the HSE Primary Care Child and Family Service, Limerick. This service is a member of Parenting Limerick.
