Eating disorders develop during adolescence and normally peak within girls at the age of 15-16. Disturbed eating behavior are very dominant within the adolescent woman in our society. The number of adolescent woman struggling with such disorders is upwards of 40%. The most common of these disorders are bulimia nervosa, anorexia nervosa, and binge eating. There are various factors within our society that influence the development of such disorders. Deleterious eating behaviors are all to common in and the prevalence of them are so high that they are becoming less and less of a rarity. Eating disorders are not precluded by one solitary source but are rather brought on by the many factors that exist within our society. Medias unrealistic portrayal of what a “perfect” body image is, along with early adolescent puberty, are both factors that can both result in the adolescent woman in our county to develop eating disorders. Professional all have different viewpoints on what exactly is to blame for causing such detrimentally harmful eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa and binge eating in adolescent woman. Young girls in today's society are constantly being bombarded by the onset of media exposure. Often time adolescents struggle with their body image because it does not resemble the ones portrayed in the media. Media uses ultra slim individuals to portray the image of beauty onto society. The images portrayed in beauty magazines send distorted and warped ideas of what an acceptable body image is to influential adolescent woman. (Laurie, Sullivan, Hill & Davies, 2006; 356). The standards of body physic set by the media are unattainable for the many subjectified adolescent woman. A study was done in a variety of Jr... ... middle of paper ... ... abuse will self disclose the onset of abuse with has tendencies to lead to them developing an eating disorder to help them to cope with the exploitation they have endured (Ericsson, Keel, Holland, Selby, Verona, Cougle, Palmer & 2012; 322). A relationship is definitely visible between disordered eating behaviors and sexual/physical abuse. in a an abusuve negative environment. A multitude of behavioral genetic studies have been conducted and have found there to be a strong correlation between genetic components and distorted eating behaviors in adolescent girls. Molecular genetic research has found that these behaviors are roughly 46 to 72 percent heritable. It has been discovered that there is substantial genetic influence on disorders such as bulimia nervosa, anorexia nervosa, and binge eating. is present among biologically related individuals (Berrettini, 2004).
Eating Disorders are on a rapid rise in the United States today, they sweep the halls of Junior High School, High Schools, College Campuses and even Elementary Schools. These disorders are often referred to by professionals as the “Deadly Diet,” however you may know them as Anorexia or Bulimia. Eating disorder effect more than 20% of young females and males in today’s society. Ranging in age from thirteen to forty. It is very rare for a child of a young age to not know someone who is suffering from an eating disorder or symptoms that are associated with one. Statistically it has been proven that one out of every five young woman suffer from serious issues dealing with eating and or weight. (Bruch, 25)
A number of studies show that sexual abuse, trauma, and even bullying can bring you to eating disorders. (“Case”) Such a genetic make-up is a time bomb for distorted thinking about body image. Then the person will dislike there body image and will stop eating.(“Case”) Laura was diagnosed with anorexia as a teen. She only was 65 recovered by 20, relapsed at 48.and then recovered again. Laura has an identical twin. Her sister never had anorexia and is in fact obese. (“Case”) Where two women share exactly the same genes but only one gets anorexia? Same genetic makeup, different life experiences. (“Case”) There is TV, Magazine articles, and unfortunate high-profile deaths to put eating disorders on most high level. Whenever you open a magazine all you see is models and lots of skinny people, some of aware hung people want to be like that model or skinny person just because they think they look good or maybe there will feel good about them self’s. (“Eller”)
These advertisers promote a body image that is completely unrealistic and impossible to achieve (Dohnt & Tiggemann, 2006b). It has been instilled in these advertisers’ minds that a thinner model will sell more (Hargreaves & Tiggemann, 2003). Media has a direct and indirect influence on the developing body image of young girls.... ... middle of paper ...
There are many more reasons to developing an eating disorder other than the media. After looking at the affects of media and how researchers explore the concept of development: we will now focus on the other key opponents to the development. Ultimately, if a person’s life situation, environment, and/or genetics leave them open to an Eating ...
Eating disorders are described as an illness involving eating habits that are irregular and an extreme concern with body image or weight. Eating disorders tend to appear during teenage years, but can develop at any age. Although more common in women, eating disorders can affect any age, gender or race. In the United States, over 20 million women and 10 million men are personally affected by eating disorders. There are many different causes of eating disorders such as low self esteem, societal pressures, sexual abuse and the victims perception of food. Eating disorders are unique to the sufferer and often, their perception of themselves is so skewed, they may not be aware they have an eating disorder. Media, for quite some time now, has played a significant part in eating disorders. Magazines with headlines ‘Summer Body’, or ‘Drop LB’s Fast!’ attract the attention of girls who may be insecure with themselves. Television productions such as the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show or American’s Next Top Model, show airbrushed and photoshopped women who have body types that may be unachievable. Those who are suffering from eating disorders can suffer dangerous consequences, and it is important to seek help.
In recent years, sociologists, psychologists, and medical experts have gone to great lengths about the growing problem of body image. This literature review examines the sociological impact of media-induced body image on women, specifically women under the age of 18. Although most individuals make light of the ideal body image most will agree that today’s pop-culture is inherently hurting the youth by representing false images and unhealthy habits. The paper compares the media-induced ideal body image with significant role models of today’s youth and the surrounding historical icons of pop-culture while exploring various sociological perspectives surrounding this issue.
The stage of adolescence contains major changes which can bring stress, confusion, and anxiety. Feelings of self-consciousness, low self esteem and comparison with peers start occurring during this time. Along with the physical changes there is also hormonal and brain changes that affect the adolescent physically, mentally, emotionally, and psychologically. During this time a person can feel tremendous pressure to find their place in the world among a great deal of confusion (“Eating Disorders and Adolescence,” 2013). Body image concerns and peer pressure are heightened during the period of adolescence, and are potential risk factors in the development of an eating disorder. While eating disorders can affects males and females of all ages, the average age of onset for Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa, and disordered eating takes place during adolescence. These disorders are often a coping mechanism for people to attempt to gain control of their situation when they feel helpless among other aspects of life (“Eating Disorders and Adolescence,” 2013). Eating disorders in children and teens can lead to a number of serious physical problems and even death (Kam, n.d.).
The media is a fascinating tool; it can deliver entertainment, self-help, intellectual knowledge, information, and a variety of other positive influences; however, despite its advances for the good of our society is has a particular blemish in its physique that targets young women. This blemish is seen in the unrealistic body images that it presents, and the inconsiderate method of delivery that forces its audience into interest and attendance. Women are bombarded with messages from every media source to change their bodies, buy specific products and redefine their opinion of beauty to the point where it becomes not only a psychological disease, but a physical one as well.
With children as early as age 7 showing dissatisfaction with their body, and as young as 9 starting dieting, eating disorders are a serious issue in our society. Taking a look at perceptions, behaviors, and medical issues associated with the disorders of anorexia and bulimia, scholars have tried to categorize and find answers to the problems which certain adolescents suffer. In this paper I focused on the two major eating disorders of anorexia and bulimia.
Genetics. Certain people may have genes that increase their risk of developing eating disorders. People with first-degree relatives — siblings or parents — with an eating disorder may be more likely to develop an eating disorder, too.
Anorexia appears to affect girls in many cultures; however, it is often found in industrialized societies, where being thin corresponds with being attractive (Post). It is not clear as to what directly causes an eating disorder to start, but there are some risk factors than can contribute. Many things can drive a person over the edge and make her turn into something she would ...
Johnson, Craig, and Cynthia Bulik. "Genetics Play a Significant Role in Eating Disorders." Eating Disorders. Ed. Roman Espejo. Detroit: Greenhaven Press, 2012. Opposing Viewpoints. Rpt. from "Brave New World: The Role of Genetics in the Prevention and Treatment of Eating Disorders." www.wpic.pitt.edu/research/pfanbn/genetics.html. 2002. 36-40. Opposing Viewpoints in Context. Web. 5 Dec. 2013.
The overwhelming idea of thinness is probably the most predominant and pressuring standard. Tiggeman, Marika writes, “This is not surprising when current societal standards for beauty inordinately emphasize the desirability of thinness, an ideal accepted by most women but impossible for many to achieve.” (1) In another study it is noted that unhealthy attitudes are the norm in term of female body image, “Widespread body dissatisfaction among women and girls, particularly with body shape and weight has been well documented in many studies, so much so that weight has been aptly described as ‘a normative discontent’”. (79) Particularly in adolescent and prepubescent girls are the effects of poor self-image jarring, as the increased level of dis...
However, it is evident that the media usually presents and sexualizes women who are “young, fit and beautiful” hence probably creating self esteem issues more than confidence especially in younger women who are religious towards the media’s expectations. This stereotype of being a desired body shape only forces women to meet unattainable perfect physical standards (Gill 2015). The media bombards the youth with gender representations and the types of bodies that are deemed to be attractive. Many teenagers all around the world are desperate to lose weight to be “beautiful”.
It seems that the media’s portrayal of women has negatively affected the body image of The Wykeham Collegiate senior school girls. The media has a negative effect on the youth of today, primarily amongst the female population when it comes to how young girls and women regard their bodies.