Body Image in

Teenage Girls

Elizabeth Weaver
Introduction
Have you ever looked in the mirror and thought about something you would like to
change about yourself?

Body Image in Teenage girls is one of the leading causes of depression in the US, and
it can also cause of variety of different mental illnesses.

The “ideal” body image has become unrealistic overtime because of how people
perceive themselves on social media.
History
Throughout many decades, the “ideal” body image has changed tremendously over
time.

There were times when it was more popular to be curvy, and have a bigger build, and
then times when it was more popular to be very slender.

It was not until the 1980’s when body image started becoming an issue, especially
for teens.
Body Image
Body Image refers to the feelings people have about the way their bodies look and
feelings extend to the belief of how others view them as well.

Includes:

● Physical appearance
● Body shape
● Skin color
Positive Body Image
People with a positive body image usually have good physical and mental health.

They maintain a well-balanced, healthy diet, and usually exercise regularly.

People with a healthy body image usually understand that everyone is different and
love they way they are.
Negative Body Image
People with a negative body image do not like the way they look. This is also known
as body dissatisfaction.

These feelings usually become relevant when they see someone on social media, or a
friend, and compare themselves to that person.

This is when that person would become rather “obsessed” with his or her body, and
may become harmful to themselves, and their bodies

Negative body image can lead to many mental disorders.

 Depression

Depression is the loss in interest in doing daily activities, while experiencing a low
self worth, with a depressed appetite.

Teens may develop depression because of the way they view themselves physically:
as well as others who may bully because of how a person looks.

If one develops depression from body image, they may begin to have suicidal
thoughts.
Suicide
Suicide is the act of intentionally killing oneself.

Generally, people suffer from major depression, and believe that they do not have a
reason to be in this world anymore and that is why they commit suicide.

● Sigmund Freud
● Early 19th century
● Depression and suicide
Anorexia Nervosa
Anorexia Nervosa is an eating disorder that usually occurs in young women, and is
the fear of gaining weight.

This is usually caused because;

● Someone is bullied because of their appearance

● They become obsessed with their physical appearance
● They want to be like someone else
Need for Change
There are many effects that one single person can have on another that can be life
changing.

Body Image, especially in teenagers in High school will always be a problem because
it is a time of many changes, with a lot of influences from many different kinds of
people.
Conclusion
In my opinion, teens should:

● Limit their time on social media

● Parents should be aware of what’s being said about their child
● Teachers should also have some training on how to watch for early signs of
depression and eating disorders caused by body image, and sit through a class
to prevent it.
Works Cited
"Anorexia." Sick!, UXL, 2010. Student Resources in Context, link.galegroup.com/apps/doc/CV2643900009/SUIC?u=ncowl&xid=41bf9c8c. Accessed 17 Nov.

2017.

"Body Image." Gale Student Resources in Context, Gale, 2017. Student Resources in Context,

link.galegroup.com/apps/doc/TWFZZC756922095/SUIC?u=ncowl&xid=5169697f. Accessed 14 Nov. 2017.

“The Digital Life of Teens.” The Kojo Nnamdi Show. WAMU,88.5, 27 Jan. 2015. https://wamu.org/story/15/01/27/the_digital_life_of_teens/

Hart, Maria. “See How Much The Perfect Female Body Has Changed in 100 Years.” Greatist, Jan 15, 2015. Los Angeles, California. Accessed 16 Nov. 2017.

https://greatist.com/grow/100-years-womens-body-image

Hurst, Marianne D. "Is Body Image a Suicide Risk?" Education Week, 22 June 2005, p. 12. Student Resources in Context,

link.galegroup.com/apps/doc/A215122927/SUIC?u=ncowl&xid=b5342203. Accessed 14 Nov. 2017.

"Self-esteem." World of Health, Gale, 2007. Student Resources in Context, link.galegroup.com/apps/doc/CV2191501157/SUIC?u=ncowl&xid=a0a5e8b6.

Accessed 14 Nov. 2017.