The teen years are fraught with changes. The onset of puberty brings on physical and emotional changes that many teens struggle with. Teens often place a high value on their appearance, says Kids Health, which can result in a teen comparing themselves to peers and not liking what they find. There are many issues that teens and their parents deal with in terms of body image issues, and being prepared for them can make them easier to get through.
Self-Esteem
Kids Health describes self-esteem as the value a person places on herself. If a person has high self-esteem, they are better able to live a healthy and productive life. However, low self-esteem can result in conditions that endanger a teen's health and well-being. The media can influence self-esteem by portraying a person's value based on her looks, and this is especially influential during the teen years. Additionally, Kids Health reports that teasing by classmates can negatively affect a teen's self-esteem.
Body Dysmorphic Disorder
Kids Health describes Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) as being overly concerned with appearance. A teen suffering from BDD will have obsessions over imperfections of flaws in appearance. These are usually things that other people don't notice, and teen's will often display compulsive behavior regarding them. Teens with BDD spend more time than is normal checking their perceived flaws in the mirror, applying make-up to mask them or repeatedly asking others if it is noticeable. BDD can also lead teens to stay home when possible and avoid social situations, according to Kids Health.
Eating Disorders
Body image issues can lead to eating disorders in teens with negative self-esteem regarding their looks. Anxiety over appearance can often increase eating disordered behavior since it can provide the teen with a sense of control over part of her life.
Kids Health says that certain sports that place an emphasis on weight can also lead to eating disorders. Dancing and wrestling are sports that are governed by a teen's weight, and being serious about the sport can often affect that teen's body image as they try to fit into the mold created by the sport.
Member Comments