Feminine Body Image and Self Esteem

Gillette

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What are some solutions to endemic body loathing of teen girls? This article gives light to a possible antidote - communal nudity.

BODY IMAGE
*Article snipped*

This may be one reason why guys don't have such a huge issue with body image because we always see each other naked all the time in locker rooms, old, young, and fellow classmates. We know what normal looks like and it ain't coming from any magazine.

That's an excellent point, Earl. Fantastic article!

Along the same lines I wonder if involvement with team sports has any effect on the development of self esteem. Fewer females participate in team sports than males. I think this is unfortunate because team sports have so many benefits beyond mere physical activity and fitness.

1. Wearing a uniform - equalizes everyone on the team (particularly an issue for girls who seem to become more clothes concious in their teens)
2. Focus is on cooperation working toward a common goal.
3. Recognition is based on skill and ability.
4. Builds a larger social network.
5. As mentioned in the article, increased exposure to other bodies outside of a attraction motivated atmoshphere.
 

whatireallywant

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I wanted to play team sports as a kid but was not allowed to because it was "just for boys". I did play a little, later on when some was opened to girls. I wasn't particularly good, although as a kid I may have been good at track and field if I had been given the opportunity.

I also am a big advocate of recreational level sports leagues for all ages. What I see in schools are the competitive teams that you have to try out for and be the best at that given sport to make the team. What about the rest of the kids, who may not be as good, but want to play that sport? And I think there should be more opportunities for recreational sports for adults too. I am fortunate right now in where I live. I am on three different recreational sports leagues. The seasons overlap, and my flag football playoff game (last game of the season) is tonight. Tomorrow is the second game of my softball season, and the day after tomorrow is the fourth game of my volleyball season. I did not have these opportunities where I used to live. I'm not very good at any of these sports, but that's not the point. The point is to get out there and play, have fun, and get some exercise. I'm loving it here.
 

earllogjam

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Along the same lines I wonder if involvement with team sports has any effect on the development of self esteem.

I concur on all the benefits you give to team sports. I might add...

Endorphins just make everything better - how you feel about yourself, outlook on life, and let's not forget sexiness.

Athletes and people who exercise regularly are on balance happier, and have less negative body image problems simply because their bodies bring them joy. How can something that brings joy be something to be ashamed of? Just my observation. :smile:
 

whatireallywant

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I know firsthand about the effect on endorphins and being active on self esteem.

In adult life, there have been 4 times when I was in a very bad state emotionally. One when I was 26, one when I was in my early thirties, one when I was 40 and one last year.

All but one of these times I was drawn to something active and pulled out of it in that way. When I was 26 it was karate (I got up to brown belt); when I was in my early thirties it was competitive race walking. And last year it was hiking and volleyball. The one when I was 40 was different because of the nature of that "low point" in my life. I was physically unable to be active for some time - I had been in the hospital for a week, listed in critical condition, and nearly died. I also had two (for completely different conditions) surgeries that year, only three months apart.

I started thinking of this when the posts here started talking about sports and being active and the effect on self esteem. Apparently when I have tough times in my life and my self esteem plummets, I also become more interested in sports and being active, and that's how I pull myself out of the blue funk I'm in.

Unfortunately, this seems to be lost on many of the people where I am originally from - if a woman is athletic, men won't have anything to do with her. I have not found that to be the case in the cities I have lived in though, just in the rural area/small town where I grew up.
 

ElegantGreenEyesNJ

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I may have a different take on body issues than some of you :smile:

I was morbidly obese for years. I had gastric bypass surgery 3 years ago, and now I look "normal". I "pass in a crowd". But since I haven't had my reconstructive surgery (hey - I expect to save that $30K any old day now) yet, I feel like I'm "passing for thin". I actually feel I had more self-esteem and positive body image when I was MO; I knew myself and had been that way for so long I was aware of my body and how to move it and how to dress it. Now...not so much. Every day is better, but it takes time.

P~
 

earllogjam

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I knew myself and had been that way for so long I was aware of my body and how to move it and how to dress it. Now...not so much. Every day is better, but it takes time.

P~

ElegantGreenEyesNJ,

This is kind of a ratty question but why did you get the operation if you were comfortable with how you were? :confused:

Do you feel physically better now without the weight and did it have any mental benefits for you however ill at ease you are now with your new body?
 

ElegantGreenEyesNJ

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1. obstructive sleep apnea - severe.

2. joint problems (early onset)

3. high blood pressure (had just been diagnosed)

4. fear of incipient adult diabetes

5. fear of dying

I think that pretty well sums it up. I can assure you that an overwhelming yearning to be a size 2 (which I am not) had nothing to do with my decision. :smile:



ElegantGreenEyesNJ,

This is kind of a ratty question but why did you get the operation if you were comfortable with how you were? :confused:

Do you feel physically better now without the weight and did it have any mental benefits for you however ill at ease you are now with your new body?
 

B_ironsoul

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1. obstructive sleep apnea - severe.

2. joint problems (early onset)

3. high blood pressure (had just been diagnosed)

4. fear of incipient adult diabetes

5. fear of dying

I think that pretty well sums it up. I can assure you that an overwhelming yearning to be a size 2 (which I am not) had nothing to do with my decision. :smile:
I think people forget about those things and think that it is all about vanity.
Are these problems gone now for you?