Identity development is a major part of adolescent life. Many individuals have issues related to their identity at this stage in life as they have to determine their religion, education, and overall demeanor about living at this point. While some individuals sail through the adolescent stage with relative ease, many have problems developing a unique identity and require assistance to help them deal with these problems. One significant issue that many adolescents experience involves developing eating disorders. These traits are prevalent in the developed world, with girls between the ages of 12 and 25 encompassing most of those affected (Hebebrand & Herpertz-Dahlmann, 2019). As teenagers grow, some develop a distorted self-image. Eating disorders are harmful to the person both physically and mentally. Anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa are common among teenagers in developed nations (Grave & Calugi, 2020). Girls are affected as they determine the ideal weight as skinny. Individuals will try to conform to societal pressure for this body type, forming a distorted image and seeing themselves as fat despite being underweight.
Prevalence of eating disorders requires a two-pronged approach to help teenagers overcome this problem. They should receive adequate support at home to boost their self-image (Mayo Clinic Staff, 2020). Switching role models would help these teenagers improve their outlook on life. They would determine that healthy living is better than using medication and inducing vomit to maintain a particular weight class. Schools should also monitor students likely to develop anxiety and depression due to their weight and provide counseling (Mayo Clinic Staff, 2020). Young counselors should conduct these sessions as they are likely to generate a positive response than their older counterparts. Understanding the pressure of adolescence would help alleviate eating disorders among this age group.
References
Grave, R. D., & Calugi, S. (2020). Cognitive behavior therapy for adolescents with eating disorders. Guilford Press.
Hebebrand, J., & Herpertz-Dahlmann, B. (2019). Eating disorders and obesity in children and adolescents. Elsevier.
Mayo Clinic Staff. (2020). Is your teen at risk of developing an eating disorder? Mayo Clinic. Web.