Body image concerns in adolescents the role of personality adjustment and self esteem

Abstract

Application of theories is a norm and essential component of academic research dissertations. On the subject of research multiple theories from fields of Psychology and also from related courses like from Sociology were analysed. The researcher finds it pertinent to mention two theories namely Social Comparison theory (Festinger, 1954) and Social Construction theory (Vygotsky, 1978) in particular amongst many more which find a direct bearing on the proposed research. Social Comparison theory (Festinger, 1954) articulates that human harbour an innate weakness of comparing their traits, likings, choices, abilities, attitudes, etc. with that of their peer group and those in extended social ecosystem. Festinger (1954) in his study categorises such behaviour as and#8215;upward comparison which is characterised by unidirectional upward drive amongst the individuals. newlineThe approach in Social Construction theory (Vygotsky, 1978) is not confined to individuals but primarily on the relationships of an individual with others hinging on their cultural and experiential norms. The theory supports the and#8215;biopsychological attributes of human beings considering that there are both social and psychological aspects of human beings. newlineSocio Cultural the ory (Stice et al.,1994) focussed especially on the women gender and also on role played by media in generating dissatisfaction amongst women related to their body image. According to Socio cultural theory; body image satisfaction amongst women hinges upon 3 aspects thin body ideal as displayed in western societies, consideration of body image as an object rather than as a process, thin as an assumption for being rewarded or being ridiculed if not thin. Studies by Stice et al. (1994) underline the fact that the underlying aspects of socio-cultural theory are most influenced by media. newlineLevine et al. (1994) found that adolescent girls who were frequent readers of beauty magazines displayed higher degrees of body image dis-satisfaction as compared to those who did not heed to such magazines. By res