Impact on Developing Behaviour and Thought Patterns in those between the Age of 14 and 16 - Research Paper Example

? To What Extend Does Peer Pressure On 14 To 16 Years Old Girls Cause Anorexia ? April 15, Word Count 2716 One of the most common factors found in literature and current studies related to eating disorders among teens, aged 14 to 16 is their increased susceptibility to peer pressure and their ability to be strongly influenced by media and the messages received through these outlets (Peterson, Paulson, and Williams).. While there is no specific known cause some research suggests a genetic length or that family dynamic factors may lead to early anorexia in youth. Further research shows clearly the in youth especially it may be used as a method of coping with external factors; peer pressure, individual challenges, and the onset of adolescence when pressure to conform or ‘fit in’ becomes much more important than at any other time during the individuals life span. Research consistently indicates that peer pressure and influence contribute greatly to body image and the development of eating disorders such as anorexia in girls between the ages of 14 and 16. Peer pressure gives way to imposing physical limitations on the body which are beyond what a healthy individual would tolerate. Restricting food consumption, over activity and over exercise are often used in an effort to ensure the minute amount of calories consumed are burned To what extent does this peer pressure exert itself over other factors? Table of Contents Introduction 4 Body Image 5 Shame 6 Dieting and Eating Attitudes 8 Culture 10 Conclusion 11 Works Cited 13 Bibliography 15 Introduction Adolescence is known as the time during which experimentation begins and youth come into contact with behavioral risk factors much more frequently. Research has shown numerous times that peer groups are often the catalyst and are considered very powerful socialization agents which shape and guide behaviors (Dumas, Ellis, and Wolfe). Despite this not all teens are susceptible to these powerful influences and different factors have been identified such as peer group identification and age and status among ones’ peer group; each play an important role in the adolescents likelihood of being harmfully influenced by their peer group. As identity development occurs the teen is likely to choose an identity commitment of who they wish to emulate or what they wish to be perceived as that is different from what they see themselves as already. It is during this sensitive time of development that youth aged 14 to 16 begin to become aware of body image as first time relationships develop and males and females now view each other as an object of interest; often these first ‘love’s’ or lack thereof make a strong impression on the teens development. Those unhappy with their self-image will look to blame something on their inability to gain satisfaction in their peer groups as one who is similar to the group and able to identify with what their peers are experiencing. Peers are thought of as referencing groups and both perceived and actual pressure asserts itself as the individual begins to adopt the values, styles, and interests of the group. During this time of increased susceptibility adolescents began altering their behavior in order to fit in with peer groups; they are becoming autonomous via stages; first from their parental figures and eventually peer groups (Steinberg, and Monahan). Pressure experienced from peer groups is thought to be one of the most important and influential factors on self-image and the subsequent development of anorexia. The London School of Economics and Political Science considers anorexia to be a ‘socially’ transmitted disease (Bawaba). Standards of physical appearance are becoming increasingly more important in part due to media influence and these standards have a huge impact on developing behavior and thought patterns in those between the age of 14 and 16. Body Image Factors identified in the development of eating disorders which were identified by Thompson, Fabian, Moulton, Dunn, & Altabe, 1991, were weight status, the level of maturity of the individual, and a history of being teased or discriminated against by peers for being overweight or regarding their body shape and size (Cattarin). One study noted that girls who matured later or who reached the age of menstruation later were shown to be more satisfied with their body image. This group had a lower incidence of eating disorders than that of their peers while those who matured earlier were shown to have a desire to be ‘thinner.’ Those maturing earlier have a higher incidence rate of anorexia than those who mature later or ‘on-time.’ Being teased about physical appearance correlates closely with dissatisfaction with body image, eating disorders and depression in those aged 14 through 16 and beyond. In a study conducted on 210 females aged 10-15 there was an indication of a strong association with the age of menstruation with the onset of body image disturbances and peer influence susceptibility (Cattarin). A second study involved only post-menarcheal girls and a study group containing those age 13-18 with the majority age being 16. In an interesting finding there was no actual relation noted between actual medical obesity level and perceptions of body image as a result of teasing and peer influence. Each of these longitudinal studies strongly support the thought that teasing and peer commentary play a large impact in the developing self-image and the propensity for developing an eating disorder. Overweight status is a factor in the possibility and likelihood making it difficult to meet nutrition requirements while being ever conscious of body image. Obesity and teasing from peers are strong predictors of future and current eating disorders such as anorexia. Body image was a constant predictor of restrictive eating styles and anorexia tending to lead if untreated to bulimic patterns as well. Shame A study completed by Keith, Gillanders and Simpson, 2009, recognized feelings of shame in relation to eating disorders. Though this study focused on an older age group it is a good predictor of future difficulties the adolescent with anorexia will develop. Shame involves feelings of being flawed and defective and create a desire to hide ones’ true self. External shame is developed when one sense’s they are unworthy in the mind of others due to some difference or inadequacy such as being overweight. Shame was examined which developed from early childhood bullying and internal beliefs of being different from peer groups. Eating disorders have been described by Kaufman as ‘disorders of shame,’ (Keith, Gillanders, and Simpson). Individuals may experience feeling of shame and guilt associated with eating therefore further restricting nutritional intake. Though these feeling may develop slowly in the 14 year old reaching the age of menstruation peer pressure and media examples will only increase these feelings which may become associated with being inactive or eating. This early stage of developing anorexia is only intensified as there is a sense of temporary satisfaction in minor weight losses though in the anorexic patient these losses never seem to compensate or be considered enough to create a positive self-image once this image has been altered by external and internal forces. Significant clinical studies have found a positive correlation between feelings of shame and eating disorders across the age spectrum. Believing oneself as socially inferior is encouraged often through peer groups and media representations of ‘what one should be.’ Shame has been shown resistant to change even in those who are in recovery or who have recovered from anorexia indicating that these feelings are embedded early on and remain constant. Body shame and the behaviors associated with anorexia can leave one isolated as these behaviors are different from those of their peers and the individual wishes to keep them hidden. Ironic when you consider that wanting to ‘fit in,’ initially later leads to isolation as the adolescent feels compelled to follow strict dietary guidelines and often constant exercise routines. While the age group of 14-16 is the usual onset of eating disorders anorexia may not be diagnosed until several years after the disorder began and after habits and rules have been established by the teen regarding how they will avoid gaining weight and ensuring all calories consumed are burned. It is unusual to see the full onset of anorexia symptoms in this age group; starvation, though has been documented many times. Individuals report feeling of guilt and shame over eating small portions of food or shame of their bodies desire or want for food. Negative social feedback is cited by Keith, Gillanders and Simpson, 2009, as a definite etiological factor in the development of body image eating disturbance’s. Teasing about size and weight work to mediate the relationship between one’s overall size and body image. It is most likely that shame is a cause and consequence of eating disorders such as anorexia. Those in the study who reported bullying by peers showed a significant difference in social isolation. Dieting and Eating Attitudes With as many as 70% of adolescents describing themselves as ‘fat,’ 15% meet the criteria for bulimia while 2% meet the criteria for anorexia (Specker,et al). It is difficult to determine the age of onset as there are very few studies published of school age children. Some surveys report children begin dieting as early as 8 to 10 years old and it is documented that those considered overweight at this age are usually less likely to ;fit in,’ or be liked by peer groups. Due to the problem of obesity in America there is a great deal of literature regarding physician prescribed dieting but much less information available on voluntary dieting and eating patterns which are indicative of an eating disorder. Using the children’s version of the standardized Eating Aptitude test elementary aged children from upper to middle class neighborhoods were chosen to take part in this study. This income range was chosen as it has been shown that dieting behavior occurs more frequently in this demographic. The survey measures items such as food preoccupation, bulimia and concerns about being over the standard or ideal weight. Girls consistently outscored boys and 6.9% of those surveyed were in the anorexia range. Though the sample size was small, 318 participants, the results indicated that the desire to lose weight increased with age. 12% of those surveyed already stated they restricted caloric intake. 15% responded that it was their belief they would be liked more by peers if they were thinner. With concerns about body fat and dieting being demonstrated in those aged 8 to 13 these concerns can only be expected to increase with age, the beginning of menstruation and puberty. Literature consistently points out that there is either less focus on males in this age group or due to their reaching puberty and maturing at a slower rate than females they exemplify fewer signs or symptoms of an eating disorder. Image and dieting behaviors are a common concern, especially in female adolescents. Dissatisfaction with one’s body and dieting related to these thoughts are important indicators of future eating disorders as well as a source of psychological distress (Lieke,et al). It is during adolescence that children spend an increasingly larger portion of their time with peers and the need for acceptance and to belong is much higher during this period that at any other time of life. Peer discussion about weight loss and being thin were shown to be associated with individual attempts at dieting. Longitudinal studies demonstrated that social comparisons and conversation’s regarding weight loss and becoming thinner were a good prediction of dissatisfaction with body image one year later and that dieting by friends led to more body image dissatisfaction five years later. Because eating disorder risk factors are much less noticeable Lieke suggests that these traits are transferred through communication and interaction with peers. Modeling is a social learning theory which specifies that peers learn from each other through observation, modeling and imitating. Selection mechanisms are also thought to be important in peer relationship’s. This occurs when similar adolescents choose each other as friends based on these similarities. Those left out or who are not chosen are painfully aware that they are less similar than peers and this often dictates a need or desire to become more like those they emulate the most. Culture Unfortunately today’s culture is obsessed with beauty most often defined by thinness. We are a society concerned with looking good; often going to drastic extremes to do so. With continuous advertisements on how to slim down, look beautiful, get in shape and become healthy we are a nation under the influence of mass media which influences many of us. While children are exposed to this from an early age they easily identify with today’s trends and want the latest fashions and styles. With advertising being the most powerful educating force in America for the last several decades it is no surprise that Americans are striving to be thin, beginning at very young ages (Murray). With the continuous pressure to be thin effects are quite startling. While anorexia once primarily affected white females who were between the ages of 10 and 30 we are now seeing anorexia in all social classes, ethnic groups and men. This statistic points definitively to media and advertising as a powerful force able to effect each demographic. Cultural ideas are promoted which are difficult if not impossible to obtain. Anorexia is becoming more evident as a culture bound syndrome. Conclusion Peer pressure in its’ many forms can be a contributing factor in anorexia and eating disorders. As adolescents develop the desire to be looked up to by their peers and to be considered part of ‘the group.’ Those with weight issues become aware of the differences in peer interactions during this crucial period of development and often seek ways in which to fit in or to be unnoticed. Eating disorders lead to isolation ultimately and control over ones diet and eating habits can become compulsive and obsessive. While shame can trigger an eating disorder it is also a factor in the continuation of the disorder as the individual feels anger and shame when they must consume small amounts of nutrition. This often worsens; leading to bulimia as the individual struggles to maintain complete control over their body image. Treatment methods thus far have poor success rates and prevention programs are seldom strong enough to combat the barrage of other forms of pressure to be thin, be beautiful, and be something or someone impossible. The power that peer pressure has should be reversed through a major education campaign in order to promote a positive body image in each individual. Through the use of peer pressure in a more positive way the risk of developing an eating disorder or anorexia can be reduced. Standards in appearance are developed from peers, especially female peers. Of all psychiatric disorders anorexia has the highest mortality rate and is prevalent in 0.3% of young women (Morris and Twaddle). Being much more common in girls the average age of onset is 15; 80-90% of these cases are female. Due to the nature of anorexia it is much more difficult to conduct research and to engage patients in treatment plans which are maintainable and long lasting. At this time there are no strong campaigns in place to combat negative peer pressure and body image; leading to an ever increasing number of cases of anorexia across all socioeconomic group, ethnic groups, and males. Biological and family influences which have been identified must be targeted with campaigns in order to counter the negative messages sent and received by today’s youth. Works Cited Bawaba, Al Ltd. "Peer Pressure Drives Spread of 'Socially Transmitted' Anorexia." Asian News InternationalMar 03 2012. ProQuest. Web. 15 Apr. 2013 . J Cattarin, et al. "Development Of Body Image, Eating Disturbance, And General Psychological Functioning In Female Adolescents: Covariance Structure Modeling And Longitudinal Investigations." The International Journal Of Eating Disorders 18.3 (1995): 221-236. MEDLINE. Web. 15 Apr. 2013. Keith, Laura, David Gillanders, and Susan Simpson. "An Exploration Of The Main Sources Of Shame In An Eating-Disordered Population." Clinical Psychology & Psychotherapy 16.4 (2009): 317-327. MEDLINE. Web. 16 Apr. 2013. Lieke C.S. Woelders, Junilla K. Larsen, Ron H.J. Scholte, Antonius H.N. Cillessen, Rutger C.M.E. Engels. “Friendship Group Influences on Body Dissatisfaction and Dieting Among Adolescent Girls: A Prospective Study” Journal of Adolescent Health, Volume 47, Issue 5, November 2010, Pages 456-462, ISSN 1054-139X, 10.1016/j.jadohealth.2010.03.006. Morris, Jane, and Sara Twaddle. "Anorexia Nervosa." BMJ. British Medical Journal, Apr. 2007. Web. 15 Apr. 2013. Murray, Trish. “ Wait Not, Want Not: Factors Contributing to the Development of Anorexia Nervosa and Bulimia Nervosa” The Family Journal July 2003 11: 276-280, doi:10.1177/1066480703252470 Peterson, Kathleen A., Sharon E. Paulson, and Kristen K. Williams. "Relations of Eating Disorder Symptomology with Perceptions of Pressures from Mother, Peers, and Media in Adolescent Girls and Boys." Sex Roles 57.9-10 (2007): 629-39. ProQuest. Web. 15 Apr. 2013. Steinberg, Laurence, and Kathryn C. Monahan. "Age Differences In Resistance To Peer Influence." Developmental Psychology 43.6 (2007): 1531-1543.PsycARTICLES. Web. 15 Apr. 2013. Tara M. Dumas, Wendy E. Ellis, David A. Wolfe. “Identity development as a buffer of adolescent risk behaviors in the context of peer group pressure and control” Journal of Adolescence, Volume 35, Issue 4, August 2012, Pages 917-927, ISSN 0140-1971, 10.1016/j.adolescence.2011.12.012. Bibliography J Cattarin, et al. "Development Of Body Image, Eating Disturbance, And General Psychological Functioning In Female Adolescents: Covariance Structure Modeling And Longitudinal Investigations." The International Journal Of Eating Disorders 18.3 (1995): 221-236. MEDLINE. Web. 15 Apr. 2013. Three longitudinal studies were conducted on youth ranging from age 10- 18 in separate groupings. Findings from these studies indicated that teasing and peer opinion were strong predictors of future restrictive eating and anorexia. This teasing had more of an effect than actual obesity levels as measured accurately and affected body image much more strongly. The age of menstruation was also found to have an effect on body image with those reaching menstruation earlier having a strong desire to be thin. Keith, Laura, David Gillanders, and Susan Simpson. "An Exploration Of The Main Sources Of Shame In An Eating-Disordered Population." Clinical Psychology & Psychotherapy 16.4 (2009): 317-327. MEDLINE. Web. 16 Apr. 2013. While exploring the source and etiology of shame in eating disorder patients it is indicated that evidence suggests those most often feel shame over the desire or need to eat and lack of control when consuming small amounts of food. Shame seems to be both a cause and effect of anorexia and is reported in patients who are recovered or in recovery. This shame begins early on in the eating disorder process and intensifies as the disorder begins to control the individual’s life, further isolating them from peer groups and support systems. Often this is the case as they prefer to hide their behavior from others. Read More