Discussion: Body Image and Media Messages
Beauty images shown through the media are often unrealistic. Nevertheless, it's difficult for children and adolescents, both male and female, to stop comparing themselves to the images they may see on television, in the movies, and in magazines. Generally, these comparisons can result in bad feelings about body image and one's self-concept. As a consequence, children and adolescents might strive to attain the perfect body image and consider these goals as realistic. The result can be the development of an eating disorder.
For this Discussion, select an advertisement about body image, weight, food, etc., in today's media. Think about your reactions to the advertisement. What did you think and feel about the advertisement? Consider how it might promote negative feelings about body image for a child or adolescent.
References:
American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry. (2008). Teenagers with eating disorders.
Page, E. (1994, July 28). Christy Henrich, 22, gymnast, suffered from anorexia. The New York Times.
National Institute of Health. (2010). Eating disorders.
With these thoughts in mind:
Post a brief description of the advertisement you selected. Then, explain how this advertisement made you feel and explain why. Finally, explain one way this advertisement might affect a child or adolescent and how. Be specific.
The response should include a reference list. Double-space, using Times New Roman 12 pnt font, one-inch margins, and APA style of writing and citations.