Abstract

CORTEZ, Diego et al. Influence of sociocultural factors on body image from the perspective of adolescent girls. Rev. Mex. de trastor. aliment [online]. 2016, vol.7, n.2, pp.116-124. ISSN 2007-1523.  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rmta.2016.05.001.

Body image is a relevant topic in the development of identity during the adolescence, where social factors are significant in determining individual expectations. This study aims to describe and analyze the perception that female adolescents have about the influence of sociocultural factors on their own body image. This research has a qualitative, exploratory and descriptive approach based on the Grounded Theory. Five adolescent girls aged between 16 and 18 years were interviewed. Results show that body image is characterized by ambivalent feelings and different degrees of body dissatisfaction. In general, participants overvalue physical aspects, for instance, thinness is believed as a sign of attractiveness, success and perfection, prototype linked to body dissatisfaction. The more influential sociocultural parameters were mass media, especially online social networks, peers and family. It is concluded that strengthening critical judgment skills to distinguish between the ideal body and the real body could enhance the prevention of eating disturbances in adolescent women.

Keywords : Body image; Sociocultural factors; Adolescence; Peers; Family.