Body image and body change methods in adolescent boys - Role of parents, friends, and the media

Objective: This study examines sociocultural influences affecting both body image and body change methods in adolescent boys. Methods: Twenty boys in grade 7 (aged 12-13) and twenty boys in grade 9 (aged 14-15) were individua lly interviewed. The influence of parents, siblings, friends and the media on both body image and body change methods was evaluated. Results: For appr oximately a third of the boys, parents, siblings, friends, and the media we re perceived to have at least some influence over boys' feelings about thei r bodies and body change methods. In particular, feedback from mothers and female friends were viewed as having positive impact on boys' body image wh ereas feed-back from fathers and male friends was viewed as more important in influencing body change methods. The media was also viewed as contributi ng to boys' body satisfaction but it was seen to encourage greater exercise to alter body size and shape. Conclusion: The differences and similarities between the sociocultural messages received by males and females are discu ssed. The implication of these findings in fostering better health among ad olescent males are explored. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Inc. All rights rese rved.