Cultural Influences on Adolescent Males' Body Image

• In Event: 35.082 - Roundtable Session 14
  In Roundtable Session: 35.082-15 - Speaking To/From/Against: Media Representations and the Gendered Self

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine ways in which adolescent males constructed their body image through sociocultural influences in physical activity. Interviews and visual diaries were collected from eight eighth grade males in two middle schools in United States. The data were inductively and deductively analyzed using constant comparison. From the data analysis, three categories emerged: media influence, significant others, and indifference to sociocultural influences. The data were interpreted using three themes of hidden acceptance, lack of concern, and critical awareness. The results showed that sociocultural influences (e.g., media, parents, and peers) appear to impact adolescent males’ conceptions of body image and their physical activity preferences.

Authors

• Deockki Hong, University of Northern Iowa

• Catherine D. Ennis, University of North Carolina - Greensboro