October 2009     Body image pressures are being felt in Australian children as young as eight, a preliminary psychological study has found.  According to the study of 101 children, aged between eight and 11, girls compare their bodies more negatively than their male counterparts.

“We found 25 per cent of girls compared their weight to their peers, while 26 per cent of boys compared their muscles,” said Associate Professor Lina Ricciardelli, psychologist and study author from Deakin University.
Dr Ricciardelli will present her findings at the Australian Psychological Society’s 44th Annual Conference in Darwin this week.

“Girls were more likely to focus on their peers who they felt had a better body, particularly on those features they wish they had or could change,” she said. “Whereas, boys tended to focus on their strengths and used social comparisons to feel good about themselves, helping to build their self-esteem.

“While comparisons seem to help boys to feel more positive and confident, girls tend to show signs of lower self-esteem and feel more discontent with their figures.”

The study shows body image concerns can develop at an early age, according to Dr Ricciardelli. “Children regularly compare their height, weight and muscles with their peers and this is natural, but on the flip side, it can have serious implications when children are still developing their self-perceptions and identities,” she said. “Many children make these comparisons subconsciously, so it’s important for parents to educate children that it’s normal to be different heights and weights.

“We need to try and encourage children to focus on their individual strengths to help form a positive, healthy body image.”

From a media release by the Australian Psychological Society, 29 September 2009.

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