17.4.2: Eating Disorders
- Page ID
- 243580
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- Explain the influence of media, cultural ideals, and peer perceptions on body image in school-aged children.
Figure \(\PageIndex{1}\). A girl is standing on a modern scale. Image by Nenad Stojkovic is licensed CC BY 2.0.
Although eating disorders are more commonly diagnosed in adolescence, the roots of disordered eating often emerge during middle childhood. During this stage, some children begin to express a strong desire to be thin, and concerns about body image may surface. These early signs can represent the beginning of a spectrum of disordered eating behaviors, some of which are associated with being severely underweight (Smolak, 2011).
Exposure to media and cultural ideals of thinness can contribute to body dissatisfaction, even in children as young as six or seven (Rodgers et al., 2018). By preadolescence, between 40-50% of girls report wanting to be thinner (Wertheim et al., 2008). Children may start to equate being thin with being accepted, popular, or successful. This can lead to unhealthy behaviors such as skipping meals, excessive exercise, or restrictive eating—all of which may go unnoticed by adults (Jansen et al., 2021).
It is important to emphasize that children in middle childhood require a balanced diet to support their physical development. Nutrients are essential for muscle and bone growth, which are especially important as the body prepares for the rapid changes of puberty (Golden et al., 2016). Parents, educators, and caregivers can help by promoting a positive body image, encouraging balanced eating habits, and addressing weight-related comments or behaviors with sensitivity and support.
References, Contributors and Attributions
Golden, N. H., Schneider, M., & Wood, C. (2016). Preventing obesity and eating disorders in adolescents. Pediatrics, 138(3), e20161649. https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.2016-1649
Jansen, E., Herriot, A. M., & Bucher, T. (2021). Associations between disordered eating behavior and body image, media exposure, and self-esteem in children: A review of the literature. Appetite, 164, 105264. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.appet.2021.105264
Rodgers, R. F., Faure, K., & Chabrol, H. (2018). The relationship between body image concerns, eating disorders, and internalization of appearance ideals in young children. European Review of Applied Psychology, 68(2), 67–75. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.erap.2018.02.002
Smolak, L. (2011). Body image development in childhood. In T. F. Cash & L. Smolak (Eds.), Body image: A handbook of science, practice, and prevention (2nd ed., pp. 67–75). Guilford Press.
Wertheim, E. H., Paxton, S. J., & Blaney, S. (2009). Body image in girls. In L. Smolak & J. K. Thompson (Eds.), Body image, eating disorders, and obesity in youth: Assessment, prevention, and treatment (2nd ed., pp. 47–76). American Psychological Association.