thesis statement about body shaming

Body Positivity as an Answer to Body Shaming Essay

Introduction, adverse trends in social media and their impact, body positivity as an optimal solution, works cited.

Living in a present-day society means following its trends, which are frequently completely irrational and, what is more important, harmful to young people. One of them is the establishment of beauty standards and their fast development, which is conditional upon the involvement of social media platforms, such as Instagram or Twitter. This phenomenon leads to body shaming as a response to one’s unwillingness or inability to adjust to these imaginary rules. As a result, individuals begin to suffer from low self-esteem, which adversely affects their functioning as citizens, whereas highlighting their uniqueness might have the opposite outcome. Therefore, the best solution for eliminating the unrealistic expectations for one’s looks is the emphasis on body positivity, which can contribute to a shift from the need to conform to self-appreciation regardless of external factors.

The mentioned adverse trends in social media are connected to the erroneous perceptions of individuality by people. They are especially critical for adolescents who pay particular attention to their appearance in their pursuit of being unique compared to their families or friends. However, the failure to follow the instilled standards leads to their dissatisfaction with their bodies, which complicates the already challenging process of pubertal adjustment (Gam et al. 1325). In this case, the problem is in the fact that common views on beauty do not correlate with individuality, as it might seem to youngsters. Consequently, their distorted understanding of this aspect and the desire to express themselves are in conflict. In addition, all teenagers are susceptible to body shaming stemming from non-compliance with ideals, and children from prosperous families struggle as much as their less fortunate peers. Therefore, a change is required for ensuring their mental health and well-being in the future.

Another circumstance contributing to the negative impact of beauty standards in social media on people’s lives is the increased possibility of personal conflicts, which emerge on these grounds. It can be dangerous for the socialization of young citizens and disrupt the process of their personality formation, which, in turn, will result in their inability to find their place in life (Martínez-González et al. 6630). Even though the creation of the desired image is a necessary task for everyone, it should not be based on any rules other than the freedom of self-expression and the emphasis on individuality. In this situation, body positivity seems an excellent solution since it corresponds to the above provisions. Thus, the described problems, which are the inability to distinguish between irrational standards and individuality and the issues with one’s image, are the basis of why body-shaming is a negative phenomenon in society.

The significance of body positivity for addressing the challenges describes above can be explained by its capability to resist the influence of irrational beauty standards. The latter is well-developed and widely supported by social media, which means that they can be overcome only through a movement, which is efficient and publicly known. At present, there are no other alternatives except for the introduction of body positivity for this purpose, and this conclusion is supported by scholars. Thus, for example, they claim that listening to body-positive music adds to women’s self-esteem, whereas the preference for appearance-related songs has the opposite effect (Coyne et al. 5). These findings indicate the effectiveness of the selected approach in changing the stereotypes, which are proved to be harmful to young people. Therefore, the emphasis on cultural products reflecting individuality rather than the need to conform to beauty standards might eliminate the risks of body shaming.

Moreover, the attitudes of individuals towards appearance and the appropriateness of specific trends are frequently transmitted through popular types of physical activity, which should also be addressed with regard to the principles of body positivity. According to Pickett and Cunningham, the introduction of body-positive yoga is one of the methods, which can be suitable for this objective (336). It contributes to the creation of inclusive physical activity spaces based on people’s individuality rather than shared standards and body shaming for non-compliance with them (Pickett and Cunningham 336). In this way, this aspect of human life can be viewed as one of the most influential areas, which should be highlighted by facilities providing similar services to the population. Their focus on the promotion of acceptance and individuality of visitors is beneficial for the formation of a positive body image. It also adds to the fact that the shift in attitudes can resolve the issues emerging due to the spread of unrealistic standards.

In conclusion, the introduction of body positivity practices in societal institutions can help eliminate the risks of low self-esteem for young people, which emerge due to beauty standards and body shaming. This population group is especially vulnerable due to their desire to be unique and the dissatisfaction following the impossibility to fulfill it at the time of their personality formation. As a result, they are guided by erroneous perceptions, which worsen their self-esteem and the efficiency of their communication with peers. Meanwhile, body positivity in different areas, such as music or physical activity, was reported to be advantageous for addressing the mentioned problems. Therefore, it should be emphasized by facilities providing services for the population.

Coyne, Sarah, et al. “Mirror, Mirror on the Wall: The Effect of Listening to Body Positive Music on Implicit and Explicit Body Esteem.” Psychology of Popular Media , vol. 10, no. 1, 2021, pp. 2–13. doi: 10.1037/ppm0000273.

Gam, Rahul Taye et al. “Body Shaming among School-Going Adolescents: Prevalence and Predictors.” International Journal of Community Medicine and Public Health , vol. 7., no. 4, 2020, pp. 1324–1328. doi: 10.18203/2394-6040.ijcmph20201075.

Martínez-González, Marina, et al. “Women Facing Psychological Abuse: How Do They Respond to Maternal Identity Humiliation and Body Shaming?” International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health , 2021, vol. 18, no, 12, pp. 6627–6644. doi: 10.3390/ijerph18126627.

Pickett, Andrew, and George Cunningham. “Creating Inclusive Physical Activity Spaces: The Case of Body-Positive Yoga.” Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport , vol. 88, no. 3., 2016, pp. 329–338. doi: 10.1080/02701367.2017.1335851.

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Changing the Conversation: Body Shaming

Body shaming is a growing epidemic, rising to a fevered pitch in recent years alongside social media. Photos and advertisements of perfectly shaped and airbrushed bodies plaster the cities we live in, setting an unrealistic stigma for perfection. Even social media can play a role as people choose to share the best shots online, utilizing filters and editing apps to touch up their “reality.”

Within our current culture, there is an overwhelmingly negative attitude when it comes to individuals who live in larger bodies.  Weight stigma and discrimination is a serious problem in a wide variety of contexts including work, school and care settings.

Katie Loth, Ph.D., M.P.H. , an assistant professor in the Department of Family Medicine and Community Health at the University of Minnesota Medical School, sees one major factor leading to the  weight bias in our society.

“We live in a culture placing enormous value on thinness and physical beauty. Pop culture perpetuates this perceived importance by limiting the images we see to only those including individuals who match society’s high, often unattainable, expectations for physical appearance,” said Loth. “We need to demand the images we view are respectful and honest portrayals of real people, representing the full range of diversity within our culture.”

Research continually shows children and adults who experience body shaming are vulnerable to many long-lasting psychological and physical health consequences, including:

• Higher rates of depression and anxiety,
• Low self-esteem and low body satisfaction,
• Increased risk for suicidal thoughts and behaviors,
• Higher risk for disordered eating behaviors,
• More likely to avoid healthy behaviors such as physical activity.

According to Loth, it is important for parents, coaches and health professionals to stray away from having weight-focused conversations. Instead, she encourages conversations about setting behavioral goals, including encouraging healthy eating and regular physical activity. These conversations are more likely to result in positive long-term behavior change.

“We need to take a stand for our bodies,” concludes Loth. “We need to shift the public conversation away from the number on the scale and focus more on a much broader view of overall health.”

Home — Essay Samples — Social Issues — Public Shaming — The Notion Of Body-Shaming And Its Causes

The Notion of Body-shaming and Its Causes

• Categories: Public Shaming

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Words: 2422 |

13 min read

Published: Mar 14, 2019

Words: 2422 | Pages: 5 | 13 min read

• biological and physical effects,
• emotional effects,
• cognitive effects,
• behavior effects.

Conclusion: One Size Does Not Fit All!

Works cited.

• Chrisler, J. C. (2017). Sizeism: A growing form of discrimination. In The Oxford Handbook of Feminist Multicultural Counseling Psychology (pp. 195-210). Oxford University Press.
• Haspel, R. L. (2018). The science behind obesity: What does the weight of evidence say? Environmental Health Perspectives, 126(2), 022001.
• Munro, L. (2018). Everyday indignities: Using the microaggressions framework to understand weight stigma. Journal of Law, Medicine & Ethics, 46(2), 500-507.
• Black, M. C., & Peacock, N. (2011). Female body image and intimate partner violence. Journal of Interpersonal Violence, 26(17), 3601-3618.
• Palmer-Mehta, V., & Shuler, S. (2017). Body positivity and postpartum bodies on Facebook: An analysis of A Beautiful Body Project. Women's Studies in Communication, 40(4), 360-379.
• Cameron, K. (2016). Challenging size matters messages: An exploration of the experiences of critical obesity scholars in higher education. Canadian Journal of Higher Education, 46(2), 119-138.
• Puhl, R. M., & Heuer, C. A. (2010). Obesity stigma: Important considerations for public health. American Journal of Public Health, 100(6), 1019-1028.
• Phelan, S. M., Burgess, D. J., Yeazel, M. W., Hellerstedt, W. L., Griffin, J. M., & van Ryn, M. (2015). Impact of weight bias and stigma on quality of care and outcomes for patients with obesity. Obesity Reviews, 16(4), 319-326.
• Major, B., Hunger, J. M., Bunyan, D. P., & Miller, C. T. (2014). The ironic effects of weight stigma. Journal of Experimental Social Psychology, 51, 74-80.
• Puhl, R. M., Peterson, J. L., & Luedicke, J. (2013). Motivating or stigmatizing? Public perceptions of weight-related language used by health providers. International Journal of Obesity, 37(4), 612-619.

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Body Shaming: an Exploratory Study on its Definition and Classification

• Original Article
• Published: 09 November 2021
• Volume 5 , pages 26–37, ( 2023 )

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• Constanze Schlüter 1 ,
• Gerda Kraag 1 &
• Jennifer Schmidt 2  

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Body shaming (BS) is a popular term for a type of negative social interaction, which frequently occurs in social media. However, there is a lack of a clear scientific definition of BS and data on its relation to other concepts in social aggression research. The present study therefore aimed at providing a definition and classification of BS. In an exploratory online-study, 25 participants (60%) provided personal definitions of BS and rated the fit of a suggested definition. In addition, they reported similarities with and differences to related concepts (appearance teasing, cyberbullying, trolling). We conducted qualitative analyses of the verbal definitions guided by the Grounded Theory approach and quantified the fit to existing concepts in the field of social aggression. The results show that BS is perceived as an unrepeated act in which a person expresses unsolicited, mostly negative opinions/comments about a target’s body, without necessarily intending to harm him/her. Still, the target perceives the comments as negative. BS can range from well-meant advice to malevolent insults and it can occur online and offline. Participants saw similarities between BS and appearance teasing. BS can be a tool for trolling and can evolve to cyberbullying with repetition over time. Altogether, BS is a form of social aggression that has a negative impact on individuals. The definition and classification help to investigate BS and its effects on body image and mental health in future research.

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Constanze Schlüter & Gerda Kraag

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Appendix 1. Open-ended questions to gain insights in people’s understanding of body shaming

• Q2-Q4 (bold print) were presented in randomized order to avoid effects caused by sequence and/or order. To prevent later editing of statements, participants could not return to previous questions

Appendix 2. Overview on exemplary statements regarding similarities and differences of the targeted concepts (body shaming, appearance teasing, cyberbullying, trolling)

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Schlüter, C., Kraag, G. & Schmidt, J. Body Shaming: an Exploratory Study on its Definition and Classification. Int Journal of Bullying Prevention 5 , 26–37 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s42380-021-00109-3

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Accepted : 18 October 2021

Published : 09 November 2021

Issue Date : March 2023

DOI : https://doi.org/10.1007/s42380-021-00109-3

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Home ⇛ psychology and education: a multidisciplinary journal ⇛ vol. 7 no. 9 (2023), demystifying the encounters of teenagers on body shaming.

Richelle Jie Paña | Nisil Ofianga | Dan Mark Oracoy | Alexa Samantha Andulana | Jenifer Alcomendras | Jean Claude Avanceña | Kier Garcia | Jonathan Peñaflor | Fritz Gerard Mondragon

Discipline: Education

This study revolves around the encounters of teenagers regarding body shaming. Specifically, the study determines the teenagers' coping mechanisms and their insights on body shaming. The purpose of this study is to highlight the detrimental role of body shaming among teenagers, which is consistent with the fact that it frequently causes low self-esteem, low body dissatisfaction, and depressive symptoms among teenagers in the Municipality of Midsayap. Purposive sampling was used, including six teenagers selected per sex category, living in the Municipality of Midsayap, aged 13-19. This study utilized a qualitative research design through one- on-one interviews, specifically phenomenological. Data were analyzed through the thematic analysis of Braun and Clarke (2006) . Study showed that insecurities about body weight, unhealthy eating habits, insulting comments, low self-esteem, mental health issues, and distracted academic responsibilities were the challenges encountered by teenagers. Moreover, it was also revealed that teenagers cope with challenges by embracing themselves, seeking help to lose weight, unwinding, avoiding social media, and unhealthy eating habits and sleep schedules. In addition, results showed that ceasing body shaming, being sensitive, minding one's own body, and building one's self-confidence were the insights of teenagers on body shaming as a victim of it. The study's findings led the researchers to conclude that body shaming can damage and leave lifelong trauma to the teenager's mental, physical, and social well-being. With the presented information, programs relating to body weight diversity and body shaming awareness should be implemented to lessen body shaming in society.

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