Sarah Grogan

Understanding Body Dissatisfaction in Men, Women and Children

Body Image

Body Image: Understanding Body Dissatisfaction in Men, Women and Children presents a review of what is presently known and the results of some new research on body image. It compares the effects of gender, sexuality, social class, age and ethnicity on satisfaction with the way we look and suggests how these differences arise. Why, for instance, are heterosexual men much happier with their body images than women or gay men? Sarah Grogan discusses the effect of media presentation of the ideal body and other cultural influences. Surprisingly, despite the almost exclusive media preference for very young female bodies, she finds that older women are not less satisfied with their bodies than younger women. Written for readers from a variety of disciplines, this clear and eclectic book will make the ideal text for students from psychology, sociology, gender and media studies.

In addition to reviewing evidence for sociocultural influences on body image, the book reviews recent literature and includes new data on body-modification practices (cosmetic surgery, piercing, tattooing, and bodybuilding), and takes a critical look at interventions designed to promote positive body image. It also attempts to link body image to physical health, looking in particular at motivations for potentially health-damaging practices such as anabolic steroid use and cosmetic surgery.

Sarah Grogan presents original data from interviews with men, women and children to complement existing research, and provides a comprehensive investigation of cultural influences on body image.

Body Image provides a comprehensive summary of research on body image in men, women, and children drawing together research findings from the fields of psychology, sociology, clothing, and gender studies. This third edition has been thoroughly revised and updated to reflect the significant increase in research on body image since the previous edition, as well as the significant cultural changes in how men s and women s bodies are viewed. Data are also included from interviews and focus groups with men, women, and children who have spoken about their experiences of body image and body dissatisfaction, producing a comprehensive understanding of how men and women construct and understand their bodies in the twenty-first century. The only sole-authored text to provide a comprehensive view of body image research, focusing on men, women, and children, Body Image will be invaluable to students and researchers, as well as practitioners with an interest in body image and how to reduce body dissatisfaction. "

Matthew Hall

Brendan Gough

This innovative edited collection brings together leading international academics to explore the use of various non-prescription and prescription substances for the purpose of perceived body image enhancement. While studies on drug misuse to date have examined drug use in the context of sporting performance, addiction, and body image for particular groups such as bodybuilders, there has been little research that explores the wider use (and misuse) of legal and illegal drugs for body image development and weight loss. With medical sociology and social psychology at its core, this important volume shows the complex reasons behind the misuse of various medications, how these are connected to contemporary body image and appearance concerns, and why the known health risks and possibly harmful side effects do not act as deterrents.

Sarah Grogan

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