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BODY IMAGE DURING PUBERTY: WHAT HAPPENS TO HOW KIDS FEEL ABOUT THEIR BODIES?
Savannah R Roberts1, Sasha Gorrell2, Daniel Le Grange2,3
1Department of Psychology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States.
Frontiers for Young Minds
|August 6, 2025
Summary
Puberty brings body changes that can impact adolescent mental health. Understanding body image, body positivity, and body neutrality can support well-being during this developmental stage.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Adolescent Development
- Body Image Research
Background:
- Adolescence involves significant physical transformations during puberty.
- These changes can lead to dissatisfaction with appearance and negative body image.
- Negative body image is linked to mental health issues like eating disorders and depression.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the impact of puberty-related physical changes on adolescent body image.
- To explore the relationship between body image and mental health outcomes.
- To introduce body positivity and body neutrality as supportive concepts.
Main Methods:
- This study is a descriptive review of existing literature.
- It synthesizes research on adolescent physical development and body image.
- Concepts of body positivity and body neutrality are discussed.
Main Results:
- Physical changes during puberty can negatively affect adolescent body image.
- A negative body image is a risk factor for eating disorders and depression.
- Body positivity and body neutrality offer alternative perspectives on body acceptance.
Conclusions:
- Adolescent body image is significantly influenced by pubertal changes.
- Promoting body positivity and neutrality can mitigate negative mental health effects.
- These concepts are crucial for understanding adolescent well-being during physical development.
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