An Engagement Strategy for Change: Body Disaffection in Young People

Public Engagement and Change in Sport, Health and/or Physical Activity
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Public Engagement and Change in Sport, Health and/or Physical Activity
Introduction
Engagement work is crucial in facilitating social change and promoting positive outcomes in areas such as sport, physical activity, and health. In recent years, there has been a growing recognition of the importance of engagement work in promoting social justice, equity, and inclusivity (Giulianotti, et al., 2019). This is evident in the debates in Public Communication of Science and Technology (PCST) and other related fields, which stress the need for more politically engaged work and more publicness in the work of critical social science scholars. One of the key arguments in PCS is that science and technology cannot be separated from the social and political contexts in which they are produced and used (Spaaij et al., 2019). Therefore, it is essential to engage with the public and stakeholders to promote more responsible and ethical practices in science and technology (Peachey et al., 2020). This is particularly relevant in the context of sport, physical activity, and health, where the implications of scientific research and technological innovations can have significant social, cultural, and economic consequences. Moreover, there is a growing recognition of the importance of engaging with the public in social science research (Fischetti et al., 2020). This is reflected in the emergence of participatory and collaborative research approaches that involve community members and stakeholders in the research process. These approaches aim to promote more inclusive, democratic, and accountable research practices that are responsive to the needs and perspectives of the public (Zaccagni et al., 2019). As critical social science scholars of sport, it is essential to recognize the need for engagement work that goes beyond academia and engages with the public in meaningful ways (Cairney et al., 2019). This includes developing interventions and programs that address contemporary issues, such as body disaffection in young people, and promote positive social change. It also involves developing communication strategies that are accessible, engaging, and responsive to the needs and perspectives of diverse audiences (King et al., 2021). Engagement work can facilitate dialogue and collaboration between academia, industry, and civil society. By engaging with diverse stakeholders, critical social science scholars can foster more collaborative and productive relationships that can lead to more effective interventions and programs (Chiva-Bartoll et al., 2022). This can help to bridge the gap between academic research and practical applications, and promote more effective and sustainable solutions to contemporary issues in sport, physical activity, and health. One contemporary key problem in the context of sport, physical activity, and health is body disaffection in young people. This refers to the negative feelings and attitudes that young people have towards their bodies, which can lead to a range of negative outcomes such as poor mental health, disordered eating, and low levels of physical activity. The problem of body disaffection in young people has been highlighted in various reports and studies. For instance, a report by the UK Youth Parliament in 2018 found that body image was the top concern for young people aged 11 to 18, with 61% of respondents saying they felt pressure to look a certain way (Seekis et al., 2020). Similarly, a global report by the World Health Organization in 2021 found that body image concerns were a significant issue among young people, with negative body image affecting their mental and physical health, social relationships, and academic performance (Pedalino et al., 2022).
Literature Review
Body disaffection in young people is a growing problem that can have negative consequences on physical and mental health. The issue is characterized by a negative view of one's own body, leading to behaviors such as excessive exercise, disordered eating, and body dysmorphia. There are various factors that can contribute to body disaffection, including social media, peer pressure, and unrealistic beauty standards promoted by the media and advertising industries. A study conducted by Rosen and Gross focused on exploring the relationship between body image, disordered eating, and anabolic steroid use among female weightlifters. The researchers conducted a narrative review of relevant literature to investigate these issues in this population. The findings of the study showed that female weightlifters are at a higher risk of developing body image dissatisfaction and disordered eating behaviors. The pressure to conform to an idealized body type for weightlifting can lead to a preoccupation with weight and appearance, which can contribute to negative body image and disordered eating patterns (Golfield, 2009). Additionally, the study highlighted the association between anabolic steroid use and body image dissatisfaction and disordered eating behaviors among female weightlifters. Anabolic steroid use is often associated with the desire to achieve a leaner and more muscular physique, which can exacerbate existing body image concerns and disordered eating patterns. The researchers suggest that interventions are necessary to address these issues in female weightlifters. The interventions should focus on promoting positive body image and healthy eating behaviors while also addressing the pressure to conform to an idealized body type (Jennings & Bamkole, 2019). These interventions should also provide education on the risks associated with anabolic steroid use and promote healthy and safe methods of achieving fitness goals. The study conducted by Rosen and Gross highlights the prevalence of body image dissatisfaction, disordered eating, and anabolic steroid use among female weightlifters. The study emphasizes the need for interventions to address these issues and promote positive body image and healthy behaviors in this population. Body dissatisfaction does not only affect females but is also a common problem among men.
A study conducted by Lennon and Johnson in 2021 aimed to review past literature to investigate the prevalence of body dissatisfaction among young adult males. The researchers examined relevant studies that explored this issue to identify the factors that contribute to body dissatisfaction in this population. The findings of the study showed that body dissatisfaction is prevalent among young adult males, with a significant proportion of this population reporting dissatisfaction with their body image. The study identified several factors that contribute to body dissatisfaction in young adult males, including societal and cultural pressures to conform to an idealized male body type, media exposure to unrealistic body norms, and peer pressure (Lennon & Johnson, 2021). The study highlights the need for interventions that target young adult males to address body dissatisfaction. The interventions should focus on promoting positive body image, self-acceptance, and healthy behaviors. The researchers suggest that interventions should also address societal and cultural pressures that contribute to body dissatisfaction in this population. The researchers emphasize the importance of using culturally sensitive and gender-specific interventions to address body dissatisfaction among young adult males. They suggest that interventions that are tailored to the specific needs and experiences of young adult males can be more effective in promoting positive body image and healthy behaviors. The study conducted highlights the prevalence of body dissatisfaction among young adult males and emphasizes the need for interventions that target this population. The study emphasizes the importance of using culturally sensitive and gender-specific interventions to address body dissatisfaction and promote positive body image and healthy behaviors in this population.
Additionally, social media plays a major role in the prevalence of body dissatisfaction among the youth. The study conducted by Rounsefell et al. in 2020 aimed to investigate the relationship between social media, body image, and food choices among healthy young adults through a mixed-methods systematic review. The researchers suggest that social media can exacerbate the impact of existing societal and cultural pressures on body image and food choices (Rounsefell et al., 2020). The mixed-methods approach used in this study allowed for a deeper understanding of the relationship between social media, body image, and food choices among young adults. The qualitative component of the study revealed that young adults are aware of the negative impact of social media on their body image and food choices, but feel powerless to resist its influence. They also reported feeling pressure to present a perfect image of themselves on social media, which can contribute to body dissatisfaction. The study highlights the need for interventions that address the impact of social media on body image and food choices among young adults. The researchers suggest that interventions should focus on promoting positive body image and healthy eating behaviors, while also addressing the impact of societal and cultural pressures and the influence of social media.
This is supported by a study conducted by Quittkat et al. in 2019 which aimed to investigate body dissatisfaction, the importance of appearance, and body appreciation in men and women over the lifespan. The researchers sought to understand how these factors change with age and differ between genders. The study collected data from 1,071 participants ranging in age from 16 to 92 years old. The participants completed self-report measures to assess body dissatisfaction, the importance of appearance, and body appreciation. The findings of the study showed that body dissatisfaction is prevalent in both men and women across the lifespan, with women generally reporting higher levels of dissatisfaction than men. This is supported by another study which focused on people’s body image and self esteem (Scully et al., 2023). The study also found that body dissatisfaction and the importance of appearance tend to peak in adolescence and early adulthood, and then gradually decrease with age (Quittkat et al., 2019). However, the study also revealed that body appreciation tends to increase with age, suggesting that older adults are more accepting and positive about their bodies than younger adults. Furthermore, the study found that men reported higher levels of body appreciation than women, highlighting gender differences in body image perception. The study highlights the need for interventions that target body dissatisfaction and the importance of appearance in young people, as these issues tend to peak during adolescence and early adulthood. The findings also suggest that interventions should focus on promoting body appreciation across the lifespan, as this factor tends to increase with age. In conclusion, the study conducted by Quittkat et al (2019) highlight on the prevalence of body dissatisfaction, the importance of appearance, and body appreciation in men and women across the lifespan. The study emphasizes the need for interventions that target these factors and highlights the importance of promoting body appreciation across the lifespan. Body dissatisfaction also affects people’s eating disorders. A study conducted by Cruz-Sáez et al. in 2020 aimed to investigate the relationship between body dissatisfaction, self-esteem, negative affect, and disordered eating in male and female adolescents. The researchers sought to understand the mediating role of self-esteem and negative affect in this relationship. The findings of the study showed that body dissatisfaction was significantly associated with disordered eating in both male and female adolescents. The study also found that this relationship was partially mediated by negative affect and self-esteem, suggesting that negative affect and low self-esteem may contribute to the development of disordered eating in adolescents who experience body dissatisfaction. Another study emphasizes the need for interventions that target these factors and highlights the importance of promoting positive self-esteem and emotional regulation skills in preventing and treating disordered eating in this population (Kusina & Exline, 2019).
The study conducted by Cohen, Newton-John, and Slater in 2021 aimed to explore the potential benefits of body positivity on social media in promoting positive body image among young people. The researchers sought to provide perspectives on the current advances in body positivity on social media and suggest directions for future research. The findings of the study showed that exposure to body positive content on social media can have a positive impact on body image and self-esteem among young people (Cohen et al., 2021). The study also found that social media can provide a platform for individuals to share their experiences and promote body positivity, challenging the dominant cultural norms around body size and shape. The study highlights the need for interventions that promote body positivity on social media and suggests that social media can be a powerful tool in promoting positive body image among young people. The findings also suggest that future research should explore the potential benefits of body positivity on social media in promoting positive body image and reducing body dissatisfaction. In conclusion, the study conducted by Cohen, Newton-John, and Slater sheds light on the potential benefits of body positivity on social media in promoting positive body image among young people. The study emphasizes the need for interventions that promote body positivity on social media and highlights the importance of further research in this area.
Intervention Program
The proposed intervention/programme for addressing body dissatisfaction in young people in the context of sport, physical activity, and health will require the involvement of multiple stakeholders and publics. These stakeholders may include young people. This group is the primary target of the intervention, as they are the ones experiencing body dissatisfaction. Their involvement in the design and implementation of the intervention will be critical to ensuring its success. Parents also play a significant role in shaping young people's attitudes towards their bodies. Their involvement in the intervention can help create a supportive environment for positive body image development (Tornero-Quiñones et al., 2019). Coaches and physical education teachers play an important role in promoting physical activity and sport among young people. Their involvement in the intervention can help create a positive and supportive environment that promotes positive body image and body satisfaction. Healthcare professionals, such as psychologists and nutritionists, can provide support and guidance to young people who are struggling with body dissatisfaction and related issues. Community leaders, such as youth organization leaders, can help create awareness of the importance of positive body image and promote healthy attitudes towards the body.
The evidence from previous research suggests that interventions that involve multiple stakeholders and publics are most effective in promoting positive body image and body satisfaction among young people (Tebar et al., 2021). Involving parents, coaches, healthcare professionals, and community leaders can create a supportive environment for young people, which can improve their mental and physical health outcomes. To implement this intervention/programme, public groups/spaces/communities that might be worked with could include schools, sports clubs, community centers, and youth organizations. These publics provide a platform for engaging with young people, parents, coaches, and community leaders and can help create a coordinated approach to addressing body dissatisfaction in young people. By working with these publics, the intervention can reach...