Does Playing with Barbie in Childhood Affect Later Body Image?

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elizabeth H. Blodgett Salafia ◽  
Maegan E. Jones ◽  
Judith Mergen ◽  
Emma L. Johnson ◽  
Kerrie C. Leonard
Keyword(s):  
Body Image ◽  
Young Adults ◽  
Body Dissatisfaction ◽  
Disordered Eating ◽  
Young Age ◽  
Thin Ideal ◽  
Drive For Thinness ◽  
Ideal Body ◽  
Dieting Behaviors

Abstract Introduction: Although Barbies are heavily criticized for their unattainable bodies, research has not thoroughly examined the long-lasting effects of playing with Barbies in childhood on women’s later body image. In the present study, we examined whether the frequency of play with Barbies, number of Barbies owned, enjoyment when playing with Barbies, and age at first play with Barbies were associated with women’s body dissatisfaction, drive for thinness, and dieting behaviors. Methods: Female young adults (n=68) who had played with Barbies as children responded to surveys. Results: We found that only age at first play with Barbies in childhood was associated with greater drive for thinness in adulthood; no other Barbie variable was associated with body image. Conclusions: These findings suggest that girls who begin playing with Barbies at a young age may be susceptible to developing a greater internalization of the thin ideal. It is important that girls and parents be aware that Barbies do not represent an ideal body to match. Keywords: Barbie; dolls; disordered eating; drive for thinness

scholarly journals Body Image Concerns and Body Weight Overestimation Do Not Promote Healthy Behaviour: Evidence from Adolescents in Lithuania

2019 ◽  
Vol 16 (5) ◽  
pp. 864 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rasa Jankauskiene ◽  
Migle Baceviciene
Keyword(s):  
Body Image ◽  
Body Weight ◽  
Body Dissatisfaction ◽  
Disordered Eating ◽  
Self Esteem ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Analysis Of Covariance ◽  
Drive For Thinness ◽  
Body Image Concerns ◽  
Healthy Behaviour

The present study aimed to explore the associations between body image concerns, body weight evaluation, disordered eating, nutrition habits, self-esteem, and physical activity (PA) in a mixed sample of adolescents of both genders. Methods. A total sample of 579 adolescents (299, 51.6% were girls) participated in this study. The participants ranged in age from 14–16 years old (M = 15.0, SD = 0.4). Respondents provided their answers filling in the questionnaires consisting of a battery of self-report questionnaires. An analysis of covariance was employed to test the hypothesis about the differences in body image concerns in the groups of BMI and body weight estimation controlling for gender. Results. Adolescents with a higher body mass index (BMI) and those overestimating body weight reported a higher body dissatisfaction (BD), a drive for thinness (DT), social physique anxiety (SPA), disordered eating, and lower self-esteem, but there were no differences in PA. Body weight overestimation was more prevalent in girls, yet body weight underestimation was more prevalent in boys. In girls, a higher BMI and body weight overestimation were associated with having less sweets, a lower frequency of having breakfast and for just a lower BMI alone—with consuming less fats, spreads, and oils. In boys, the BMI was associated with consuming less fruits and berries. The boys’ body weight overestimation was related to a lower reported number of meals, a lower frequency of breakfast, and a lower consumption of milk, cheese, yogurt, fats, spreads, and oils. Body dissatisfaction in boys and girls was negatively related to the number of meals, DT is related to a lower breakfast consumption (in girls), SPA was related to a lower nutrition score (in boys), the number of meals (boys and girls), and a lower use of meat and vegetables (boys). Conclusions. Adolescents with a higher BMI and body weight overestimation demonstrated higher body image concerns, lower self-esteem and a poorer eating-related behavioural profile. Body image concerns and body weight overestimation did not promote healthy behaviour in adolescents. It is critical to promote a positive body image, adequate body weight evaluation, self-esteem, and a healthy lifestyle in health promotion and health education programs for adolescents of both genders and different BMIs.

scholarly journals Social Media Use and Body Image Disorders: Association between Frequency of Comparing One’s Own Physical Appearance to That of People Being Followed on Social Media and Body Dissatisfaction and Drive for Thinness

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (6) ◽  
pp. 2880
Author(s):  
Barbara Jiotsa ◽  
Benjamin Naccache ◽  
Mélanie Duval ◽  
Bruno Rocher ◽  
Marie Grall-Bronnec
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Eating Disorders ◽  
Body Image ◽  
Young Adults ◽  
General Population ◽  
Body Dissatisfaction ◽  
Physical Appearance ◽  
Drive For Thinness ◽  
Body Image Disorders ◽  
Teenagers And Young Adults

(1) Summary: Many studies have evaluated the association between traditional media exposure and the presence of body dissatisfaction and body image disorders. The last decade has borne witness to the rise of social media, predominantly used by teenagers and young adults. This study’s main objective was to investigate the association between how often one compares their physical appearance to that of the people they follow on social media, and one’s body dissatisfaction and drive for thinness. (2) Method: A sample composed of 1331 subjects aged 15 to 35 (mean age = 24.2), including 1138 subjects recruited from the general population and 193 patients suffering from eating disorders, completed an online questionnaire assessing social media use (followed accounts, selfies posted, image comparison frequency). This questionnaire incorporated two items originating from the Eating Disorder Inventory Scale (Body Dissatisfaction: EDI-BD and Drive for Thinness: EDI-DT). (3) Results: We found an association between the frequency of comparing one’s own physical appearance to that of people followed on social media and body dissatisfaction and drive for thinness. Interestingly, the level of education was a confounding factor in this relationship, while BMI was not. (4) Discussion: The widespread use of social media in teenagers and young adults could increase body dissatisfaction as well as their drive for thinness, therefore rendering them more vulnerable to eating disorders. We should consequently take this social evolution into account, including it in general population prevention programs and in patients’ specific treatment plans.

scholarly journals The role of maternal psychological control and pressure on body image in a child's drive for thinness

2019 ◽  
Vol 29 (Supplement_4) ◽  
Author(s):  
L Hricova ◽  
M Bacikova-Sleskova ◽  
J Benka ◽  
O Orosova
Keyword(s):  
Body Image ◽  
Body Dissatisfaction ◽  
Disordered Eating ◽  
Psychological Control ◽  
Early Adolescent ◽  
Drive For Thinness ◽  
Prevention Strategies ◽  
Child Relationship ◽  
Direct Pressure ◽  
Mother Child Relationship

Abstract Background The drive for thinness (DFT), an indicator of disordered eating, is strongly predicted by body dissatisfaction (BD). In early adolescence, there are other predictors of DFT which rise from the mother-child relationship such as maternal psychological control (PC) and the motheŕs pressure on the child's body image (MP). The explanation of DFT by the child's self-perception of BD and PC as well as the mother’s perception of MP among early-adolescent boys and girls has great importance for public health and is therefore the aim of this study. Methods The research sample consisted of 191 Slovak adolescents (53.4% of girls, Mage=12.54, SD = 0.58) who completed the Children’s Body Image Scale, DFT subscale of Eating Disorders Inventory, Psychological Control Scale-Youth Self-Report; and their mothers (Mage=40.45, SD = 4.71) who completed the Parental Influence Subscale. Structural equation modelling was performed. Results A hypothesized model was tested to explain DFT by PC and BD, associated with four sources of MP. The tested model did not fit the data well enough. A modified model, where three insignificant sources of MP were excluded, fitted the data well (SRMR=.06, CFI=.95, RMSEA=.04, PCLOSE=.74) and explained 22% of the variance in DFT. The model was statistically equivalent for both genders. DFT was associated with BD (β=.42; <.001), PC (β=.2; <.05) and indirectly with the source of MP - child's body image preoccupation (CBI) (β=.15; <.05), through BD. CBI was associated with BD (β=.27; <.05). Conclusions The results point to the importance of BD, PC and CBI - a factor reflecting motheŕs direct pressure on the child's body image, in explaining DFT among early adolescent boys and girls. Other sources of MP (reflecting the motheŕs concern about her own body image) were not significant in this context. BD and disordered eating prevention strategies for adolescents indicate a respectful mother-child relationship, avoiding pressure and control. Key messages A motheŕs direct pressure on child's body image, psychological control and body dissatisfaction are significant in explaining the drive for thinness among early adolescents. Body dissatisfaction and disordered eating prevention strategies for adolescents indicate a respectful mother–child relationship, avoiding pushing a child to think, feel, or act as the mother wants.

Celebrity influence on body image and eating disorders: A review

2021 ◽  
pp. 135910532098831
Author(s):  
Zoe Brown ◽  
Marika Tiggemann
Keyword(s):  
Eating Disorders ◽  
Body Image ◽  
Big Data ◽  
Body Dissatisfaction ◽  
Disordered Eating ◽  
Research Articles ◽  
Inclusion Criteria ◽  
Media Attention ◽  
Research Findings ◽  
Appearance Comparison

Celebrities are well-known individuals who receive extensive public and media attention. There is an increasing body of research on the effect of celebrities on body dissatisfaction and disordered eating. Yet, there has been no synthesis of the research findings. A systematic search for research articles on celebrities and body image or eating disorders resulted in 36 studies meeting inclusion criteria. Overall, the qualitative, correlational, big data, and experimental methodologies used in these studies demonstrated that exposure to celebrity images, appearance comparison, and celebrity worship are associated with maladaptive consequences for individuals’ body image.

scholarly journals Social Media, Thin-Ideal, Body Dissatisfaction and Disordered Eating Attitudes: An Exploratory Analysis

2019 ◽  
Vol 16 (21) ◽  
pp. 4177 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aparicio-Martinez ◽  
Perea-Moreno ◽  
Martinez-Jimenez ◽  
Redel-Macías ◽  
Pagliari ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Body Image ◽  
Body Dissatisfaction ◽  
Disordered Eating ◽  
Eating Attitudes ◽  
Prenatal Testosterone ◽  
Beauty Ideals ◽  
Body Concerns ◽  
Eat 26 ◽  
Disordered Eating Attitudes

Disordered eating attitudes are rapidly increasing, especially among young women in their twenties. These disordered behaviours result from the interaction of several factors, including beauty ideals. A significant factor is social media, by which the unrealistic beauty ideals are popularized and may lead to these behaviours. The objectives of this study were, first, to determine the relationship between disordered eating behaviours among female university students and sociocultural factors, such as the use of social network sites, beauty ideals, body satisfaction, body image and the body image desired to achieve and, second, to determine whether there is a sensitive relationship between disordered eating attitudes, addiction to social networks, and testosterone levels as a biological factor. The data (N = 168) was obtained using validated surveys (EAT-26, BSQ, CIPE-a, SNSA) and indirect measures of prenatal testosterone. The data was analysed using chi-square, Student’s t-test, correlation tests and logistic regression tests. The results showed that disordered eating attitudes were linked to self-esteem (p < 0.001), body image (p < 0.001), body desired to achieve (p < 0.001), the use of social media (p < 0.001) and prenatal testosterone (p < 0.01). The findings presented in this study suggest a relationship between body image, body concerns, body dissatisfaction, and disordered eating attitudes among college women.

Weight-Related Concerns as Barriers to Exclusive Breastfeeding at 6 Months

2018 ◽  
Vol 35 (2) ◽  
pp. 284-291 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emily Zimmerman ◽  
Rachel F. Rodgers ◽  
Jennifer O’Flynn ◽  
Althea Bourdeau
Keyword(s):  
Body Image ◽  
Body Dissatisfaction ◽  
Disordered Eating ◽  
Exclusive Breastfeeding ◽  
Self Efficacy ◽  
Infant Nutrition ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Prepregnancy Bmi ◽  
Child Weight ◽  
Eating Concerns

Background: Human milk is considered the gold standard for infant nutrition, but more data are needed that examine the constellation of weight-related concerns as barriers to exclusive breastfeeding. Research aims: The aim of this study was to examine how mothers’ concerns regarding their own and their infants’ weight, as well as disordered eating behaviors, were associated with breastfeeding self-efficacy and exclusive breastfeeding at 6 months. Methods: A prospective, quantitative, and self-report online survey design was used. Participants included 206 women (88.30% White, 59.20% with graduate degrees), with a mean age of 33.04 years ( SD = 4.31 years) and a mean prepregnancy body mass index (BMI) of 24.80 kg/m2 ( SD = 5.50 kg/m2), who had given birth within the past 6 months. Results: Participants who reported not exclusively breastfeeding at 6 months had significantly higher prepregnancy BMI ( p < .001), higher body dissatisfaction ( p = .003), more disordered eating ( p = .036), higher child weight concerns ( p < .001), and lower breastfeeding self-efficacy ( p < .001). Mediation modeling revealed a direct negative relationship between prepregnancy BMI and exclusive breastfeeding at 6 months ( p < .001). Indirect negative relationships between prepregnancy BMI and exclusive breastfeeding at six months via (a) body dissatisfaction, (b) disordered eating, and (c) child weight concern, as well as breastfeeding self-efficacy (entered as concurrent mediators), were all significant. Conclusions: Mothers’ weight, body image and eating concerns, concern regarding their children’s weight, and breastfeeding self-efficacy may constitute critical barriers to exclusive breastfeeding at 6 months. Interventions to improve breastfeeding duration and confidence should target maternal body image and eating concerns.

scholarly journals Validating Appearance-Based Rejection Sensitivity and Fear of Negative Appearance Evaluation Scales in the Russian Sample

2020 ◽  
Vol 28 (4) ◽  
pp. 118-143
Author(s):  
A.Yu. Razvaliaeva ◽  
N.A. Polskaya
Keyword(s):  
Body Image ◽  
Body Dissatisfaction ◽  
Discriminant Validity ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Rejection Sensitivity ◽  
Drive For Thinness ◽  
Convergent And Discriminant Validity ◽  
Body Image Disturbances ◽  
Good Internal Consistency ◽  
Test Retest Reliability

We present the results of validating Fear of Negative Appearance Evaluation Scale (Lundgren et al., 2004) and Appearance-based Rejection Sensitivity Scale (Park, 2007) on the Russian sample. These scales operationalize factors of interpersonal vulnerability to body dissatisfaction as a result of internalizing the notions of the ideal body transmitted by parents, peers and mass media. The sample included 760 respondents aged 16—48, 687 female (Mage=24, Med=22, SD=6.75) and 73 male (Mage=23.2, Med=22, SD=5.58). Confirmatory factor analysis confirmed that either scale had a single latent factor, both showed good internal consistency (Cronbach’s α for FNAE — α=0.91; ARS — α=0.93) and test-retest reliability (for FNAE — rs=0.89; for ARS —0.93; p&lt;0,001). FNAE showed age differences, reaching the highest scores in the youngest group (aged 16—20). Convergent and discriminant validity of the scales was confirmed; they were positively related to attachment-related anxiety and disturbances in body image and eating behavior, and correlated negatively with self-esteem. Both scales had a positive impact on body image disturbances and drive for thinness. Fear of Negative Appearance Evaluation Scale and Appearance-based Rejection Sensitivity Scale can be used in studies broadly related to body dissatisfaction.

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