Why is body image such a big deal in our society? In my opinion, in order to produce awareness about the need for positive body image, we need to raise awareness about the sources of negative body image. So, where is it coming from? Basically anything that gives our society unrealistic expectations for men or women generates negative body image in some way.

Some of the things that came to mind are…

-Media (T.V., movies, magazines, websites, etc.)

-Televised advertisements (make-up, hair products, clothing, underwear, etc.)

-Billboard advertisements

-Pornography

-Children’s toys (dolls)

The list goes on and on, but you get the idea. We are constantly being bombarded by expectations that are nearly (if not completely) impossible to achieve. So what do we do about it? Well, if more companies would try to raise awareness like Dove does in this clip, it would make a huge difference! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XpaOjMXyJGk  ß Check it out. Totally worth a watch!

An article that was published in the Journal of Research on Adolescence, states that their research found the following: “In Western cultures, girls' self-esteem declines substantially during middle adolescence, with changes in body image proposed as a possible explanation. Body image develops in the context of sociocultural factors, such as unrealistic media images of female beauty. In a study of 136 U.K. girls aged 11–16, experimental exposure to either ultra-thin or average-size magazine models lowered body satisfaction and, consequently, self-esteem”. Obviously our society is having a negative effect on the way that girls (specifically pre-teens through young adults) view themselves. It’s a disturbing trend that doesn’t seem to be going away any time soon.

There is a HUGE need to educate parents about the pressures that are being put on their daughters. Although it may not solve all of the problems, it can at least make the parents aware of the situation, and help them find ways to boost their daughters’ self-esteem. In my opinion, there is also a huge need to educate parents about how to talk to their son about the unrealistic expectations for women. Young men need to know that all different shapes, sizes, and looks can be beautiful. Boys also need to know that they can’t expect girls to look like the swimsuit model staring at them from the billboard as they drive down the freeway.

I think it’s safe to say that every single one of us could use a self-esteem boost when it comes to some part of our looks. However, if we start by boosting the confidence of the young people in our society, who are in the most emotionally vulnerable time of life, I think we can make a big difference.

References:

Clay, D., Vignoles, V., & Dittmar, H. (2005). Body image and self-esteem among adolescent girls: Testing the influence of sociocultural factors. Journal on Research of Adolescents, 15(4), 451-477.

How Do I Love My Body?

We have all had times when we saw someone else and thought "She looks so much better than I do. can't I just be her?" I admit that I have thought this.  I'm sure all of us have as well. To truly love ourselves we need to be able to see ourselves and our bodies for what we are.  If you aren't happy with yourself then you usually aren't happy with much in your life.  How you feel about yourself affects how you interact with others, how you perceive the world around you, your confidence and your ability to contribute to the world.  When we feel poorly about ourselves we tend to turn inward and aren't as willing to put ourselves out there.  I have felt this way, as I am sure that we all have.  I have always wondered how I can change this mental attitude.  How can I change the way I feel about myself and what can I do to improve my personal thoughts and feelings.  On the website Redefining Beauty, I read a quote that I find very helpful. It states that: 

"Learning to love your body can be a difficult process for many women who have believed their whole lives they are worthless or abnormal because they don’t live up to physical ideals upheld  as normal and attainable in our profit-driven culture. We want you to know it is not an impossible feat, and the process is incredibly rewarding. One of the easiest and best things you can do for your body image right now is to consider the ways your body is amazing. Appreciate what it has allowed you to do, regardless of your abilities or health status, and acknowledge your strengths and gifts."(www.beautyredefined.net/loving-your-body-101/)

I have found that by doing this it really works!!  I have thought of the many amazing things that my body can do, the things it has allowed me to do, and all that it will allow me to do. Our bodies are truly remarkable. I urge you to make a list, you will be amazed at the things that you think of and write down.  It will truly help you to see yourself as a beautiful person and give you the confidence to step outside of yourself and make a difference.  I have seen this in my life and I hope that you will be able to as well.

Beauty Redefined. (2014, Feb 12). Loving Your Body 101:The 3 Questions of Positive Body Image. Retrieved from www.beautyredefined.net/loving-your-body-101/

About Us

My name is Jessica Hudson and I am writing with a few others in my class (Shelby, Kylie & Sydney) about accepting yourself for who you are because honestly, why wouldn't you? There is only one YOU in this world and for that reason, we have to love ourselves! This specific blog is going to be geared towards parents with children that are struggling with physical issues about themselves. A very broad, but important topic that we will be addressing will be: BODY IMAGE (mostly in teens). It's a serious topic that all of us four have an interest in, and for me personally has always been a struggle. I look forward to posting some more information about this topic and how to help you parents out there who have children that are dealing with body image issues.