Body Image Concerns in Young Girls: The Role of Peers and Media Prior to Adolescence

• NCJ Number: 214822
• Journal: Journal of Youth and Adolescence Volume: 35 Issue: 2 Dated: April 2006 Pages: 141-151
• Author(s): Hayley K. Dohnt; Marika Tiggemann
• Date Published: April 2006
• Length: 11 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

Since recent literature reviews have identified preadolescent body dissatisfaction as a risk factor for subsequent lower self-esteem, this study examined peer and media influences in stimulating younger girls' (ages 5-8 years old) body-image concerns and dieting awareness.

Abstract

The study found that 6 years old marked the age at which 42 percent of the girls in the sample (n=128) had a desire for thinness; this corresponded with the first year of schooling. Girls' perception of their peers' body dissatisfaction was a significant predictor of their own body dissatisfaction and dieting awareness. Although many girls this age could not yet read, 69 percent reported they looked at magazines, many of which were rated by researchers as high in a focus on appearance and the ideal of thinness. Their exposure to the ideal of thinness also came through television watching. Girls who watched more music video television shows had greater dieting awareness, while those who watched more children's television had lower dieting awareness; however, there was no relationship between media exposure and thoughts about body image. This suggests that media exposure does not yet influence young girls' actual desire for thinness to the same extent as has been found in samples of older girls. Preadolescent and adolescent physical maturation may intensify girls' concerns about their actual compared to an ideal figure. Still, both media and peers apparently are significant influences on young girls' desire for thinness, satisfaction with appearance, and dieting awareness. The 128 girls in the study attended 4 private schools in Adelaide, South Australia. These schools mainly served children from middle- to upper-class families. Individual interviews were conducted to assess aspects of body image and dieting awareness through the use of a brief scenario. 5 tables and 63 references