At this age, bodily (height, appearance, primary sexual characteristics) indicators are decisive, as they affect the two main lines of behavior and the psyche of a teenager.
Accelerated boys become leaders, and overweight boys become outcasts
Firstly, it is the social status. After all, an accelerator boy who overtakes his peers in physical development can easily become a leader who is listened to and imitated. Indeed, with a slender, muscular body, the qualities of a leader are associated: strong, aggressive, energetic and more socially mature.
But a full teenager often becomes the subject of ridicule or ignorance. Such teenagers are limited in their choice of friends and need support more than others. Unfortunately, this assessment persists for quite a long time.
Girls who mature quickly have their own difficulties, they are sometimes taller than their peers, and because of this, a lot of negative experiences arise. But some girls begin to communicate with older guys, thus feeling their attractiveness. And others painfully experience their "unattractiveness"; and "nonsense".
Secondly, through appearance, special requirements and expectations are imposed on the personality. And this is where the formation of the image of "I" takes place, in which one's own capabilities and abilities are correlated with the perception and evaluation of them by others.
Much depends on self-awareness. Some, realizing their physical unattractiveness, come to terms with it and experience a sense of their own inferiority. Others begin to intensively engage in their appearance (go in for sports, carefully monitor their skin) and achieve success in this. And the third – compensate for their physical unattractiveness with academic or artistic achievements. And much at this time depends on the support of adults, parents and teachers.
Based on the foregoing, it becomes clear why teenagers are concerned about their appearance and body. The latter often develops into dissatisfaction with their appearance – adolescent dysmorphophobia syndrome.
Dysmorphophobia in boys is associated with height, and in girls - with breasts
Dysmorphophobia – is a mental disorder in which a person is overly concerned about their appearance or harbors the idea of a defect and/or flaw in their body. In this disorder, a person is dissatisfied with their appearance and would like to change it. At the same time, in reality, these are quite nice people, and often the disadvantage that worries them is absent, or greatly exaggerated. Others don't notice him at all. People suffering from dysmorphophobia try to be less in society, less to leave the house, so that no one sees their defect, does not laugh. & nbsp;
In girls, a similar syndrome is associated with high growth, growth of the mammary glands, and in boys – vice versa with short stature and endomorphic (full) body structure.
Unfortunately, very few adolescents turn to a specialist with such a disorder for help, as they themselves are shy or afraid, and adults do not understand the depth of the problem. But if you do not intervene promptly, then depression and suicidal behavior develop against the background of dysmorphophobia.
Fortunately, teenage body dysmorphic syndrome usually resolves by adolescence. After all, if a teenager needs growth and external attractiveness for self-affirmation, then later strong-willed and intellectual indicators come to the fore. But if you or your child has certain symptoms of this disorder, urgently contact a specialist (psychiatrist, psychologist, psychotherapist) to avoid trouble.
Add a comment