Date of Award

5-2025

Document Type

Project

Degree Name

Master of Social Work

Department

School of Social Work

First Reader/Committee Chair

Dr. Carolyn McAllister

Abstract

Body image dissatisfaction is an increasingly common issue among children and adolescents, often stemming from various factors such as peer influences, family dynamics, media exposure, and extracurricular activities. This dissatisfaction can have significant long-term effects on youths' mental health, including the development of depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, and eating disorders.

This proposed exploratory study aims to develop a new instrument by synthesizing insights from existing literature. A scoping literature review was chosen as the most appropriate method, as it allows for a comprehensive examination of available research on body image dissatisfaction. This research proposal seeks to fill a gap in the understanding of body image concerns among students in a local school district. Currently, many local districts pose only a single question about body image in their biopsychosocial assessments. This study proposes the creation of a more thorough screening tool for use in the Mental and Behavioral Health Departments during the biopsychosocial assessment process. The goal is to improve intervention strategies by better identifying and addressing body image concerns among children and adolescents.

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