Body Image Issues Faced by Adolescents in India

Body image is a self-attitude towards one’s body, such as, with respect to its size, shape and aesthetics. Increasing importance is given to physical appearance in modern societies as is evident from media depictions and boom in the grooming industry. These patterns can be observed all over the country due to increasing impact of globalization and modernization in India. The influence of such changing demands can act as a strong factor in determining self beliefs of adolescents. A negative body image at an early age can over shadow the self-concept and self-esteem beliefs of an individual. In the present study, using a self report questionnaire, a total of 115 participants between the ages of 14 to 16 years were asked questions about their body image and related self beliefs. As indicated in previous researches, preoccupation with body image was observed in adolescents with many adolescents reporting negative attitudes towards self. In addition, it was seen that body image disturbances were consistent across gender. Thus, it is important for schools to recognize that they need to provide guidance to students on issues like body image and self beliefs as they can have a significant impact on mental health of adolescents. The paper concludes by suggesting some measures for schools to promote positive body image building in students as well as help enhance their understanding of self and surroundings.