Self-Image and Eating Disorders Among Young Adults - Term Paper Example

Perfectionism is a multifaceted conundrum in that it is in the eye of the beholder. Whoever has that ‘eye’ and presents the guidelines for what is ‘perfection,’ is the source of much angst in those susceptible looking for approval of their appearance and thus, their total self. The ‘eye’ can be that of a parent, usually a mother, a boss, a circle of friends, or anyone of significant importance in a person’s life. It is a source of aggravation for those who seem to gain weight by just looking at a chocolate bar when others seemingly can eat anything they want and never add an ounce. For some, the desire to become thinner and achieve a perfect appearance, as defined by the person with the ‘eye,’ may then turn that desire into desperation when losing weight does not seem to be happening fast enough, or even at all (Vohs et al., 1999).
The profession of classical ballet promotes eating disorders to an extreme and only in recent years has there been a change in the thought process of how one views female dancers on the stage. The film, “Black Swan,” depicted a female dancer who was very thin although there were other issues at work within this personality portrayed in the storyline. Yet, the truth is that female dancers, in particular, are subjected to the constant pressure of being thin to be noticed by the director and to get cast in high-visibility roles (Fernandez, 2012).
Over-weight dancers can be fired from companies even they are considered thin by normal standards. Anastasia Volochkova, a ballerina with the famed Bolshoi Ballet in Russia, was fired in 2003 for being overweight and too tall. Therefore the battle to become and remain thin is ongoing for several males and female dancers which can lead to eating disorders such as anorexia and bulimia, both of which are life-threatening in a profession that requires a great deal of energetic output.