five factors that can contribute to body image concern
When I read that more than 90% of young people have some level of body image concern, my first thought was “wow”, and my second thought was “what is driving up that number?”
me at 17…probably editing a photo on Instagram
what is body image?
The Butterfly Foundation defines body image as "the thoughts, feelings, attitudes and beliefs we have about our bodies and how we look, including our shape, size, weight, and the way our body functions for us."
so, what influences our body image?
1. language used at home
When a young person watches one of their role models engage in dieting and overexercising, it ‘normalises’ that behaviour. In the same way, when a young person hears an adult speak poorly about themselves, it normalises feelings of inadequacy and body dissatisfaction.
2. advertising & social media
When our adds and social media feeds are filled with people that all look the same it facilitates a way of thinking that idealizes a certain look. Often that look is a thin body for women and a muscular body for men. We are led to believe through clever marketing that all the beauty fixes and diet plans out there rest solely upon our actions. Then, when things don’t work out it’s inevitably our fault.
3. filters
Frequent exposure to filtered images and videos can inhibit our ability to distinguish between what is and isn’t real. It can create an unattainable standard of beauty and in turn lead to behaviours such as body checking and picking our flaws when we look in the mirror.
4. expectations of teachers & coaches
Certain sports and activities can indirectly place unrealistic pressure on our body’s aesthetic. Adhering to a teacher or coach’s direct or implicit expectation of physique can be damaging and, in many cases, lead young people to engage in behaviours that are not beneficial to both their mental or physical health.
5. bullying & banter
Teasing, bullying and banter can all have a negative impact on a young person’s body image. Seemingly harmless jokes can have a lasting impact. Many young people go along with the jokes made about them. What we don’t see or hear are the thoughts that continue to spin in their minds following that interaction.
Unfortunately, this list of contributing factors is not exhaustive.
Awareness is a good starting point. When we have some knowledge of the things that can contribute to body image concern, we can be more thoughtful about the way we interact with our young people.
A reminder also to practice self-compassion. It is okay if you have said or done anything in the past that may have impacted on a young person’s body image. You were doing the best you could with the knowledge that you had at the time.
Butterfly Foundation (2023), Our First Body Kind Youth Survey Findings.
