The Problem...
Bullying- Young females who are teased about their appearance begin to internalize what they hear and feel badly about their image. Overweight female are more likely to be bullied than their peers. In a survey of 11-16 year-olds, 15 percent of overweight and 23 percent of obese chilldren reported being bullied compared to 10 percent of their peer.s. (www.nedic.ca/knowthefacts/statistics) Verbal and cybery bullying, as well as social alienation can lead females to judge themselves more harshly or use unhealthy methods to alter themselves.
History with Abuse- Those who have been physically, mentally, or emotionally abused are more likely to have feelings of low self-worth. These feelings can lead to distaste for their image. Victims of sexual abuse sometimes try to de-sexualize themselves. Survivors of abuse obsessively diet, starve, or purge to make their bodies “perfect.” A perfect body is their attempt to feel more powerful, invulnerable, and in control, so as not to re-experience the powerlessness that they felt during the abuse. (www.edreferral.com) It has been found that people with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder are approximately 3 times as likely to develop eating disorders. (www.nedic.ca/knowthefacts/statistics)
The Media- Research has shown that women feel worse about their body image after seeing advertisements with thin models. These models are often edited and show false beauty that many seek to obtain. To reach a fictional, unhealthy image, you must participate in dangerous, unhealthy actions. (lifespan.org)
History with Abuse- Those who have been physically, mentally, or emotionally abused are more likely to have feelings of low self-worth. These feelings can lead to distaste for their image. Victims of sexual abuse sometimes try to de-sexualize themselves. Survivors of abuse obsessively diet, starve, or purge to make their bodies “perfect.” A perfect body is their attempt to feel more powerful, invulnerable, and in control, so as not to re-experience the powerlessness that they felt during the abuse. (www.edreferral.com) It has been found that people with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder are approximately 3 times as likely to develop eating disorders. (www.nedic.ca/knowthefacts/statistics)
The Media- Research has shown that women feel worse about their body image after seeing advertisements with thin models. These models are often edited and show false beauty that many seek to obtain. To reach a fictional, unhealthy image, you must participate in dangerous, unhealthy actions. (lifespan.org)