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In the end, my research revealed that the media does play a large role in how women view their bodies. From social media, movies, television, magazines and advertisements -- we are constantly told what we should look like, and what is "acceptable." We are influenced by larger corporations that feed us what they want us to believe. This all begins in childhood, and sticks with us the rest of our lives. Because of this, we must take action to encourage our children (especially our daughters) positive body image. This can be done through praise, support and by being a positive body image role model.

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Subliminal messaging can be found everywhere. These messages objectify women in both subtle and prominent ways. This has been undeniably normalized. During my research I found a peer reviewed journal that stated: "....objectification causes women to internalize media ideals and objectify themselves to a greater extent than men, putting women at particular risk for social comparisons with media representations.” This concludes that subliminal messaging and objectification indeed influences how women view their bodies.

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Extra Material: From the Model's Perspective

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Extra Material: From the Model's Perspective

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For this project, I interviewed a friend of mine who is in the entertainment industry herself. She has been the face of a major automotive brand, and has starred in televisions shows as well as movie pilots. I wanted to find out if body image is something she struggled with, and if so, in what ways. She confirmed that she does indeed struggle with her own body image. She stated that the industry can be brutal, and that if you aren't perfect in what they are seeking, you won't get the part. She states that she plans to get plastic surgery to improve her appearance in hopes that she will fit the mold better.

*** I have included a video on another model who speaks about what it's like to work in the industry, and why it isn't all it's cracked up to be. Her points were inspiring. This is a video I would recommend to many women who struggle with their own appearance or dreams. ***

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Looks aren't everything. Believe me, I'm a model. | Cameron Russell | TED

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Why is the Media so Influential on Body Image?

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Why is the Media so Influential on Body Image?

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This is a question I have always wondered. Why are we so influenced by the media? My research revealed an interesting answer. Sociologists call this phenomenon "mediated culture." Mediated culture is when media reflects and creates the culture we live in through mass media. Mass media is the "communication -- written, broadcast, or spoken -- that reaches a large audience." My findings stated that corporations that produce media comprise a minority elite. This elite (corporations) is viewed by the "lower class" (the masses) as being a "higher class," therefore we  follow the views they project on us because humans naturally follow those who are viewed as "superior." We are influenced by the media because it is a larger entity than us, being viewed as a superiority figure.

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Another question I did some research on was the topic of how to prevent negative body image for our future daughters. I stumbled upon a website created for parents which lists 5 ways they can prevent issues with body image, as well as instill positive body image. The topic that stood out to me most was: Modeling Positive Body Image. This states that by a mother portraying positive body image towards herself, daughters will follow suite in viewing their self in a positive light as well.

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iStockphoto

In my private practice as a psychotherapist specializing in eating and body-image problems, I have seen teens and young adult women with eating and body-image problems that stem from growing up in homes where certain foods were off-limits. Many of their negative associations come from painful memories that go back as early as grade school. My knowledge of this awards me the opportunity to address this issue with parents of children in this age group early on, in an effort to prevent eating disorders later. From the first time a mother feeds her newborn baby, her attitude toward food and eating can leave an impression. A mother who is anxious while feeding her newborn and doesn't pay attention to hunger cues can set the stage for problems with food later in childhood. By the time preschool comes around, the attitudes and approach mothers have toward food sets the stage for how kids may feel later about food and eating. If a child witnesses her mother expressing disgust at her image in the mirror, the child may begin to mimic that behavior.

According to the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA), 40 to 60 percent of elementary school girls (ages 6 to 12) are concerned about becoming too fat or gaining wait. It's troubling when girls as young as 6 are worrying about the fat content in their lunch boxes. So where are these children picking up their ideas about food, fat, and body image? Their home environment, other kids at school, and commercials and magazines all influence them. Kids start to perceive what fat means just by hearing about it from other peers and adults or by watching TV. They learn that fat is "bad for you" and will make you gain weight. As a result, they don't want to eat. A majority of my patients have also said that their mothers were very tough on them about how their bodies looked or that their mothers had personal body issues. Generally, later on in life, these young women become binge eaters to rebel against the ideas that were set forth by restrictive mothers. Mothers, then, are the first and most significant female models in their developing daughters' lives. They are faced with the difficult challenge of modeling positive feelings toward food, eating, and body image. Here are steps that mothers can take to help their school-age girls and to prevent early eating and image problems.

Model a Positive Body Image. Women may have internalized cultural values, such as the importance of thinness, and have difficulty trusting their own needs, desires, and wants. It is key that mothers be aware when they feel bad about their own bodies and when they are modeling a negative body image. Be careful not to use words such as "fat" and "diet" around the home. Young kids, especially girls, are impressionable and susceptible, so teach them to be comfortable with their developing bodies. Convey this with phrases such as, "Honey, that dress really flatters your body" and "You are my beautiful child, inside and out." Although mothers who struggle with their own negative body image may find this difficult, it's key to remain cognizant of the language and phrases said in front of daughters. It's essential that every mother find the strength within to avoid making bad comments about her own body.

Discuss "Sometimes" vs. "Always" Foods. When it comes to discussing food choices, avoid categorizing foods as "good" vs. "bad" (which can make kids feel as though they've been good or bad) or "healthy" vs. "unhealthy." Instead, talk about "sometimes" foods and "always" foods; this can help your kids understand that some foods are better eaten in smaller quantities and less often. Vegetables, fruits, whole grains, proteins, and dairy products can all be explained as "always" foods that are useful and necessary for growth and development. Sweets and fried foods can be seen as "sometimes" foods that taste good but are not healthy or necessary to help us grow. When kids do desire "sometimes" foods, they should eat just a small portion and stop when satisfied. Because feeling full and satisfied may have a different meaning for every child, be attuned to your child's unique nature of fullness. Let your child be the one to say when she is finished eating; don't make the decision for her.

Practice "Self-Attuned Eating." The "self-attuned eating" model, a process of learning to pay attention to and trust feelings of hunger and fullness, can help with making certain food choices. In my own practice, I rely on this model; while it may not work for everyone, I believe it is the best way to prevent eating disorders if it's taught and practiced with children early on in their lives. This model teaches that feeling satisfied is important, so no food is off-limits and it's okay to eat all types, whether carrots or candy. This helps them feel safe, comfortable, and open around all foods and promotes a healthy, normalizing attitude toward eating.

Talk About Empty vs. Full Stomachs. Discuss how food affects the digestive system and the body by sharing how to eat only when hungry and how to stop when full. Talk to your kids about how their bodies feel at the present moment. Try asking if their stomach feels empty and "growly" or if their stomach feels full and "heavy." Re-enforce this on a regular basis to help kids feel connected to their bodies. In Preventing Childhood Eating Problems, psychotherapists Jane Hirschmann and Lela Zaphiropoulos stress that allowing children to decide when, what, and how much to eat helps strengthen their self-confidence, self-esteem, and sense of dignity. This also helps kids avoid the kinds of eating difficulties that have plagued many adults for life.

Involve Children in the Lunch-Making Process. Get creative by having your kids prepare their own lunches. Allow them to choose what they like and also teach the basic food groups. Offer enough options so that kids can choose chocolate milk one day and regular milk another day. Include them when grocery shopping so they are further involved in picking the foods they would like to have in the house. Talk about how their bodies need certain nutrients and vitamins to grow strong; this makes them feel that they have some control over what is eaten. As they consume a variety of foods, explain the purpose each one serves and the positive effects. For example, "We eat carrots because they have vitamins and help with our eyesight." Although getting vital nutrients is crucial to development, enjoying the eating experience can have a long-lasting effect on the mind and body.

Aviva Braun is a licensed clinical social worker who offers both individual and group therapy to adolescent and adult women who have eating and body image problems. She has presented on the topic of eating disorders and healthy body image to schools, college counseling centers, and parent associations. Visit her site at avivabraunlcsw.com.
All content on this Web site, including medical opinion and any other health-related information, is for informational purposes only and should not be considered to be a specific diagnosis or treatment plan for any individual situation. Use of this site and the information contained herein does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the direct advice of your own doctor in connection with any questions or issues you may have regarding your own health or the health of others.

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In my private practice as a psychotherapist specializing in eating and body-image problems, I have seen teens and young adult women with eating and body-image problems that stem from growing up in homes where certain foods were off-limits. Many of their negative associations come from painful memories that go back as early as grade school.

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The first question I was able to answer was at what age body image begins to be influenced by the media. Many young children watch Disney movies, but young girls tend to look up to the princesses featured in Disney films. With their perfect physiques and stunning looks, little girls are being influenced on what to think is beautiful. All Disney princesses feature tiny waists, proportionate busts and hips, tiny noses, large eyes, perfect hair and full lips. They are presenting an unrealistic expectation to children. This can cause little girls to develop body image issues at a young age by comparing themselves to these characters.

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How the Media Effects Body Image in Women

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How the Media Effects Body Image in Women

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The topic I chose for our I-Search paper was on the subject of how the media effects body image in women. There are several questions I wanted to cover in my research:
1. Does the media insert subliminal messaging into ads, movies, television, etc. that influences body image?
2.  At what age does the media effect body image in women?
3. How can we prevent our future daughters from succumbing to negative body image?
4. Why are we so influenced by the media when it comes to body image?

I found some interesting answersn during my search.