Chapter 15: Problem 3

A lot of research has focused on the role of the media and standards of beauty and the thin ideal in the etiology of anorexia nervosa. Do you think these factors are improving or worsening? Is there more or less pressure on adolescent girls and young adult women today to be thin? What about pressures for attractiveness on adolescent boys and young men?

Short Answer

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Anorexia nervosa is a serious mental health disorder affected by societal pressures and media portrayal of beauty standards. In recent years, there has been increased awareness and efforts to promote diverse body types and healthier beauty standards. While these efforts have led to some improvements, the thin ideal is still prevalent in the media, and pressures on both adolescent girls and young adult women, as well as boys and young men, to conform to societal standards of attractiveness continue to exist. Although some progress has been made, there is still a long way to go in breaking down the thin ideal and reducing pressures to conform to unhealthy beauty standards.

Step by step solution

Introduction to the issue

Begin by providing a brief overview of anorexia nervosa and the potential role that societal pressures and the media may play in its development.

Gender-specific pressures

Investigate how adolescent girls and young adult women face pressure to conform to societal standards of beauty, and analyze if these pressures are increasing or decreasing. In addition, consider the pressures for attractiveness on adolescent boys and young men.

Media's role in perpetuating the thin ideal

Examine the role of the media and how it contributes to the perpetuation of the thin ideal. Are media representations of body types becoming more diverse, or are they still predominantly focused on promoting thinness?

Efforts to improve the situation

Identify any efforts made by the media, the fashion industry, or other organizations to promote healthier body image and combat the thin ideal. These efforts could include increased representation of diverse body types, initiatives promoting self-esteem, and public health campaigns.

Personal opinion and conclusion

Finally, provide your own perspective on whether the situation surrounding the standards of beauty and the thin ideal has improved or worsened. Consider the evidence presented in previous steps and synthesize it into a well-formed conclusion.

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Short Answer

Step by step solution

Introduction to the issue

Gender-specific pressures

Media's role in perpetuating the thin ideal

Efforts to improve the situation

Personal opinion and conclusion

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