Beauty Standards and Mental Health: The Connection and More

Overview

• Beauty standards, often portrayed by media, affect individual mental health negatively.
• Unrealistic beauty ideals lead to pressure, especially in young females.
• Linked to low self-esteem, body image issues, eating disorders, and depression.

Impact of Beauty Standards on Mental Health

• Body Image Concerns:
  • Increasing globally, exacerbated by media and social media.
  • Young females are particularly vulnerable to unrealistic beauty standards.
• Mental Health Issues Linked to Body Image:
  • Eating disorders, depression, anxiety, self-esteem problems, and social isolation.

Understanding Beauty Standards

• Defined by societal and cultural ideals of beauty.
• Include expectations on body shape, weight, facial features, etc.
• Media often presents altered images, leading to unrealistic standards.

Mental Health Conditions Related to Beauty Standards

• Low Self-Esteem:
  • Many young females have low body esteem.
  • Males also experience dissatisfaction, particularly with weight.
• Eating Disorders:
  • Body dissatisfaction a risk factor for disordered eating.
  • Behaviors include restrictive eating, steroid use, excessive exercise.
• Depression and Anxiety:
  • Strong links to body dissatisfaction, especially in youth.
  • Social physique anxiety can result from fear of judgment on appearance.
• Social Isolation:
  • Low self-esteem can lead to avoidance of social activities.

Exposure to Beauty Standards

• Social Media:
  • Drives comparison and body dissatisfaction.
  • Reducing use can improve body image.
• Parental Influence:
  • Parental focus on weight can negatively shape children’s body image.

Coping with Mental Health Effects of Beauty Standards

• Limit exposure to distressing media.
• Engage in positive self-talk and mindful viewing habits.
• Consult healthcare professionals if mental health is affected.

Summary

• Beauty standards significantly impact mental health, especially among young females.
• Can lead to increased risk of eating disorders, anxiety, depression, and social isolation.
• Coping strategies include reducing social media use and seeking mental health support.

Resources

• National Alliance for Eating Disorders
• National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders
• F.E.A.S.T. for family support

Further Reading

• Social Media and Mental Health
• Body Image and Mental Health Reports
• APA findings on social media and body image

Prepared by Mandy French, reviewed by Bethany Juby, PsyD