5 factors that influence teen body image

How we view our body affects our mind. Negative body image is often an issue for many adolescents, since this is when the body changes and they become more self-conscious. Here are some of the factors that influence teen body image. 

Home or school environment 
A nurturing, non-judgmental environment helps teens to accept their body positively. Negative environmental influences are equally strong and colours a teen’s idea about the body as well as the mind. A cultural or familial setting of judging character through appearance, linking eating habits with appearance or abilities affect teens negatively. A school environ that over-emphasises or typifies body shape is also an influence.  

Puberty and hormonal influence 
Certain biological factors play a major role in determining body image. Puberty can be a trigger for negative or positive body image, since it brings about physical and hormonal changes. Adolescents experience weight fluctuation and changes in body shape, and hormonal fluctuations affect mood. Genetic traits become emphasised during puberty, leading to changes in body image.  

Media influence  
Unrealistic portrayals in the media distort teen body image, and this is unfortunately exploited as a marketing tactics. Health is never important. It’s all about achieving whatever is a desirable figure, growing impossible muscles, having a thick and straight hair, and a fair complexion. Teens try to assume the promoted images instead of being happy with their naturally healthy body.  

Peer pressure and financial pressure  
Teens want to belong. So they compare themselves with their peers, and try to change appearances to fit into a group. In the process, they may also spend a lot. Sometimes a positive home environment is undermined by negative peer influence.  

Parental attitude   
Teenagers are heavily impacted by the attitudes a parent towards weight, food, and appearance. They start linking body image with emotional make-up and academic or sports performance, sometimes baselessly. Parents need to think before commenting and be careful about using sensitive language or linking body image with something else. It also leads to forming erroneous or harmful notions about gender stereotypes attached to the image of a ‘perfect’ male or female body.