The Influence of Pop Media on Latina and African American Girls' Self Esteem

Running Head: THE INFLUENCE OF POP MEDIA ON LATINA AND AFRICAN AMERICAN GIRLS’ SELF-ESTEEM

THE INFLUENCE OF POP MEDIA ON LATINA AND AFRICAN AMERICAN GIRLS’ BODYIMAGE, PERCEPTIONS AND SELF-ESTEEM

Lubianka Lopez

Calstate Los Angeles

I. Research Problem

Adolescence is a critical period of growth and emotional turmoil. Adolescence is typically defined as the period beginning about 10-12 years of age and ending around 21-22 years of age (Ashford, Lecroy & Lortie 2001). During adolescence acceptance and appearance are important to the development of self-identity. During puberty males and females experience physical changes that may cause them to have both positive and negative attitudes. There are many factors that influence adolescents’ self esteem, one of them being body image. Researchers have found that physical appearance correlates positively with adolescent self-esteem (Abell & Richards, 1996).

The significance for exploring body image and self esteem is that many adolescent girls have become obsessed about their weight. According to Ashford et al., (2001), girls reported to have higher rates of depression than boys because girls are significantly unhappy with their body image. “Girls have interpreted their maturing bodies negatively because they desire to be thinner than they have been in the past” (Ashford et al., 2001, p.390). The exposure to idealized body images via magazines, popular television shows, advertisement ads and billboards may encourage teenagers to imitate these looks. However, the problem that arises is that not every adolescent is a mirror image of the models and actresses they view through the media. As a result, some teenagers may take drastic measures to acquire those ideal body images. Some of these drastic measures could include dieting, excessive exercising and cosmetic surgery. To achieve ideal thinness adolescent girls may begin to limit their food intake. If this persists for an extended...