Body image features and interpersonal strategies in adolescents

Abstract

Abstract: This article describes the phenomenon of teenagers physical socialization in the context of extracurricular activities. The features of body image of dance, sports, travel and psychological courses participants. This article highlights typical stylistic features of teens body image. Keywords: body socialization, body awareness, body image, social behaviour strategies. Introduction. “Assigning” а man’s body, with all its internal and external content, social, cultural and symbolic layers is an important aspect of socialization, as well as necessary condition for the formation of a complete self-image. This assignment occurs during certain physical practices, the so-called «body techniques» that the person do more or less purposefully [3, 32–39]. Investigating the formation of adolescent’ body image in the socialization process, we pay particular attention to the specific experience of the participants of extracurricular educational circles. Features of non-formal education, with a focus on various aspects of physical activity (or lack thereof) create a different perception of teenager’ body. As a base of empirical research were chosen extracurricular organizations engaged in the work with teenagers: dance, sports, touristic and psychological courses.Methodology. The problem of human socialization is closely woven into the large number of psychological phenomena. Theories of socialization by C.Cooley, D. Mead, S. Freud, J. Piaget, L. Kohlberg, E. Erikson, L. Vygotsky, S. Rubinstein, P. Halperin, J. Mead, T. Parsons considered the formation of the self in the context of the interaction with others. The very concept of socialization provides a process by which an individual becomes a member of the society, learns its norms and values, masters social roles. And some similar process happens to the human body.Participation of body experience in the socialization process seems so significant that the concept of «body socialization» could be provided into the terminological field of psychology. In general, physical mechanisms of socialization do not differ much from classical mechanisms: these are identification (with relevant figures, including parental) and simulation, and as negative mechanisms guilt and «body shame» appear. There are also involuntary and voluntary socialization. The first is the practice that, although in fact may develop body, has other purpose than influencing body shape and body image. As an example it can be walking, activities on playgrounds, and all that is called active recreation. Therefore voluntary (intentional) body socialization includes practices that require certain regularity and duration, and focuses on the purpose of achieving a certain shape or skill. Dance classes, yoga, gymnastics, sports, and even plastic surgery belong to this type.It is also important to note that from the point of internal subjective experience there are three levels of bode awareness, corresponding to the levels of personal maturity: objectifying, conformal and personal attitude to one’s body [8, 45–50].Body practices could not be a reliable indication of the level of his physical reflection. Dance classes, sports, and even plastic surgery can be dictated by the different value system level. For the real indication we have to question: what is a personal meaning of this activity? Thus, we can talk about two sides