Body Image Development – Girl Children

Body image development begins during the preschool years and perhaps even during infancy. Preschool girls (4- to 6-year-old) already demonstrate anti-fat bias, social comparison, and, perhaps, body dissatisfaction. Body dissatisfaction and dieting are clearly evident among elementary school-age girls (6- to 12-year-old). Sociocultural, psychological, and biological variables have all been implicated as risk factors for body dissatisfaction. Girls who exhibit body dissatisfaction may also have lower self-esteem and engage in more dieting. Research needs are discussed as is the importance of universal prevention of body dissatisfaction.