The beauty cult: Body image and self-esteem in America

9:00 - 10:15 a.m., Wednesday, April 6, 2016
PSU Ballroom West

American society is bombarded daily with “ideal” body images in the media, in film, in advertising and on the Internet. But in reality, these images present an unattainable – even unhealthy – example for today’s youth who find their own body images to be lacking by comparison. Poor body image produces low self-esteem and has been linked to diminished mental performance, anxiety, depression, sexual dysfunction and eating disorders. Yet, the false ideal continues to be propagated. How is this issue to be addressed? By whom? When and where?

Presenters