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

Abstract

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 individually interviewed. The influence of parents, siblings, friends and the media on both body image and body change methods was evaluated. Results: For approximately a third of the boys, parents, siblings, friends and the media were perceived to have at least some influence over boys' feelings about their bodies and body change methods. In particular, feedback from mothers and female friends were viewed as having a positive impact on boys' body image whereas feed-back from fathers and male friends was viewed as more important in influencing body change methods. The media was also viewed as contributing 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 discussed. The implication of these findings in fostering better health among adolescent males are explored.