I’m currently taking an adolescent literature class and we’ve read a few different genres including “teen problem” novels. This is the type of book I would typically choose when I was in middle and high school. These books not only gave me a place where I could recognize characters like me but also helped me to see that I was not alone in my struggle and give me small ways to deal with the issues I faced on a day to day basis. After thinking about all the books I’ve read from the genre I realized that there were not enough books that focused on the body positivity that I have been trying to take on. Over 70% of the time when a person struggles with body dysmorphic disorder, it starts before the age of eighteen. If there was a way to help teens feel good about themselves and their bodies, why wouldn’t we help contribute to this positive outlook that needs to be presented to those who are struggling?

The main goal of this site is to bring to light the deficit found in teen novels when it comes to body positivity. I plan to post reviews of books I found particularly helpful when I was struggling, statistics based off of body image and teens, pictures of my friends and others I know that promote healthy body image, quotes and some other cool resources!  

2 )I loved how I looked because lighting was great that day and I made a great outfit choice!"

This article focuses on the implications and process leading up to intuitive eating and the effects it has on one's      body image. The authors walk through the definitions of both intuitive eating as well as positive body image. They then move onto the stages of acceptance of intuitive eating and the effect of this, pointing to the acceptance and appreciation of one’s own body.

Cordes, M., Vocks, S., Dusing, R., Bauer, A., & Waldorf, M. (2016). Male body image and

visual attention towards oneself and other men. Psychology of Men & Masculinity, 17 (3)

243-254.

This article is based off of the a study that tracks the eye movements across images that are displayed while asking men to respond to a statement. One section of this article I found particularly applicable to my project was the explanations of why the experiment was being done. The authors go on to explain the lack of information when it comes to men and their body image projected in social settings.

Urgesi, C. (2015). Multiple perspectives on body image research. European Psychologist, 20 (1),

1-5.

In this article the author focuses on the sources of body image and both the physical and psychological sources. The author also describes how body image is altered when an individual encounters body dysmorphia and eating disorders. One idea that I found particularly interesting was that the author supports the theory that women take on an objective view of their bodies to be judged on physical characteristics. 

-Elise, 15