Daniel makes stuff, and, in his spare time, writes about things like movies, kid culture, and geek stuff.
Body Image Worries 'Affecting 8-Year-Olds'

A recent Australian psychological study by Deakin University professor Lina Ricciardelli examines young children’s self-esteem when making comparisons about their body shapes and weight with their peers – and notes a clear gender-differentiation, with young girls being most vulnerable to damaging self-assessments.

The researcher said she had focused on the eight-to-10 year range because it was at that age that children began defining themselves and their body images in relation to their peers.

School and health authorities have long been alert to the risk of eating disorders among teenagers, but the Deakin University study confirms that weight worries can begin far earlier.

“Often acting on it can come later, in the next few years,” Professor Ricciardelli said.

Oct 02, 2009 :: Tagged under: , , , , :: #