Body Image Studies

Along the same lines, Body image studies have been done across the world, on multiple age groups. Many studies have revealed that body image had become of concern to an individual when they were younger. When growing up, many children go through a time period of socialization. Granted that there are multiple forms of socializations but one-form effects the way that both females and males may look at their body image. The University of Nevada, completed a research that stated, “The use of dolls in play may influence the development of one’s body image and may result in a child comparing his own body to that of a doll’s” (Pedersen and Markee). A common doll, known as Barbie, has been named one of the most popular dolls among many countries. Not only does Barbie have a disfigured body shape but she also has the glamorous clothes, to go along with her (Pedersen and Markee). What is this teaching the children of today’s society? Is this doll letting many children down, when they do not have the body image she has or the clothes she wears? (Pedersen and Markee). A study performed stated, “Particularly famous aspects of Barbie are her body image and the proportions that have been criticized for being extremely unrealistic” (Anschutz and Engels). According to Kurther and McDonald, when children play, their toys become a very influential part in their development of self-concept. Along with that, children have a favorite toy that they become attached too. The child’s preferred toy choice may have an impact on how they identify themselves. The chosen toy may have some impact in many are areas of their life. Toys can send a particular message to a child about their gender, roles as an adult, and even values. When picking up a toy, many think...

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...ge dissatisfaction are being taken to a whole new level and needs to be of concern. More studies should be done to help spread the word that what is beautiful, is up to the individual. Today’s society is very judgmental, in a way that affects how people look at themselves. This may cause them to try to “fit in”. Individuals want to “fit in” more than ever today. This is why problems are starting to arise more often and people are stressing and getting depressed about what someone might think of them if they were anything shy from the ideal. Beauty is a work of art and people need to take a step back and ask themselves if they want to look like the rest of the world, or do they want to be unique, like each piece of art. Every piece of art is unique in it’s own way and is thought of in different ways by many different people. So again, I ask what is beautiful to you?