MEDIA, BODY IMAGE AND EATING DISORDERS

Media, Body image and eating disorders

Chapter 01 INTRODUCTION

Background of the Study

In the past, eating disorder issues have been studied in young college women because of the high percentages of this population experiencing body image dissatisfaction and disordered eating patterns (Garner, Garfinkel & Thompson, 1980). These issues are now appearing in younger populations. Surveys of school populations reported that 5% of adolescent girls have eating disorders and that by the t h e girls are nine years old, they experience body image dissatisfaction and want to diet, regardless of their actual body weight (McVey, 1994). Clinicians are becoming increasingly aware that children as young as five experience anorexia nervosa (Perspective, 1990).

The highest rates of diet, weight concerns, eating disorders, and cosmetic surgeries are associated with the representation of the thin female ideal society. These images promote unrealistic standards that are impossible to reach for the average woman, and social comparisons with these rules are highly correlated with body dissatisfaction. However, pressure for thinness, urged that the main culprit of disordered eating problems, the problem centers on a woman's obsession with obtaining a slim body, and can reinforce demeaning notions of a young, naive controlled by the image of the media. This approach also captures the complexity of girls and women from the experiences of established and a wide range of etiological factors that influence the body's regulatory practices of girls and women from diverse backgrounds. Issues of globalization, immigration, acculturation, modernization, transition, and identity along dimensions of gender, race, class, ability and sexual orientation may play a greater role in contributing to the issues eating and body image dissatisfaction.

Problem Statement

Concern about the shape and weight has become a dominant feature of contemporary Western society. College level students are at environmental and situational risk and the areas of exercise and food related activities may be even more inclined than various other forms. This may be because they are attracted to your area of ??study chosen because of his personal concern with food and exercise. This could have adverse effects on students due to intentional or unintentional form or transfer of body image, media and eating disorder behaviors and attitudes.

Aims and Objectives

The purpose of the present research was to determine the extent of body image dissatisfaction and disordered eating attitudes in primary school children (males and females). An additional purpose was to determine the impact of the exposure to socio-cultural factors on body image dissatisfaction and disordered eating attitudes.

Significance of the study

Several theories have been proposed in an effort to explain why eating disorders are, but no evidence has been named as the main cause of any eating disorder. Most modern theorists believe that biological, social, cultural and psychological factors interact to contribute to the development and maintenance of eating disorders. And these causes can be influenced by any of the following: biological influences, family, social, cultural and psychological.

Research Questions

The main research questions considered are as follows:

RQ1: Are college level females experiencing disturbances in body ...