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Media images present an unrealistic picture of body image with super-slim women and muscle-bound men gaining the most attention - Leaving Cert Physical Education - Question 14(d) - 2021
Question 14(d)
Media images present an unrealistic picture of body image with super-slim women and muscle-bound men gaining the most attention. (i) Examine how physical activity p... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Media images present an unrealistic picture of body image with super-slim women and muscle-bound men gaining the most attention - Leaving Cert Physical Education - Question 14(d) - 2021
Step 1
Examine how physical activity participation levels of young men can be influenced by media representations of the ‘perfect body’.
Answer
Media representations significantly impact young men's perceptions of the ideal body. The portrayal of super-slim and highly muscular bodies in advertisements and social media often establishes unrealistic standards that many young men feel pressured to achieve. This pressure can lead to various behaviors:
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Increased Participation: To achieve these idealized body types, young men may engage significantly in physical activities such as weightlifting, bodybuilding, or intense fitness regimes, believing these actions will help them attain the 'perfect body'.
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Comparative Motivation: Exposure to images of fitness models or athletes can serve as a source of motivation for young men. They may perceive physical activity as a means to compete with these idealized images, significantly increasing their participation levels in sports or gym activities.
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Negative Self-Perception: Conversely, the constant exposure to media representations can lead to body dissatisfaction. Young men who feel they do not measure up to these standards may become discouraged, reducing their participation in physical activities due to feelings of inadequacy. This can lead to a cycle of negative self-image and decreased physical participation.
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Influence of Peer Dynamics: Social media often amplifies discussions around body image, where peer validation becomes crucial. Young men may engage in physical activities not solely for health but to seek approval and acceptance based on their physique.
Conclusively, while media representations can motivate young men to engage in physical activities, they can also contribute to negative self-images that may inhibit participation.
Step 2
Discuss how body image can be influenced by levels of physical activity participation in females.
Answer
Physical activity participation among females can profoundly influence body image perceptions in several ways:
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Enhanced Body Confidence: Regular physical activity can improve strength, endurance, and overall fitness, leading women to feel more positive about their bodies. This confidence can alter their body image and provide a more realistic view of their physical abilities rather than the idealized standards of beauty portrayed in media.
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Social Support and Community: Engaging in group activities such as fitness classes or team sports often creates a supportive environment where women encourage each other. This social aspect can foster a healthier body image, as women appreciate their bodies for what they can achieve collaboratively, rather than solely for aesthetic purposes.
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Shift in Focus: Regular physical activity encourages women to focus on functionality rather than appearance. This shift can lead to a more positive self-image, as they recognize the capabilities of their bodies through movement and strength, fostering an appreciation for body diversity.
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Risk of Negative Comparison: However, participation in highly competitive sports or elite fitness environments can lead to comparison with peers or elite athletes. This can sometimes lead to negative body image issues if one perceives their physique as lacking compared to the ideal forms they encounter in those settings.
In summary, while physical activity can enhance body image through improved confidence and community support, it can also present challenges if comparisons to others lead to dissatisfaction.