The relationship between social comparison and body dissatisfaction was examined using meta-analysis. Several demographic and methodological variables were examined as potential moderators. Data from 156 studies (189 effect sizes) showed that social comparison was related to higher levels of body dissatisfaction. The effect for social comparison and body dissatisfaction was stronger for women than men and inversely related to age. This effect was stronger when social comparison was directly measured rather than inferred. No differences emerged for the presence of eating psychopathology, study design, or object of comparison. Results confirm theory and research suggesting that comparing oneself unfavorably to another on the basis of appearance may lead to dissatisfaction with one's own appearance. Moderator variables refine our understanding of the social comparison-body dissatisfaction relationship. These constructs and their relationship should be explored further in future studies.

http://psycnet.apa.org/journals/abn/118/4/683.pdf

Social comparison as a predictor of body dissatisfaction: A meta-analytic review.

Adolescence represents a pivotal stage in the development of positive or negative body image. Many influences exist during the teen years including transitions (eg, puberty) that affect one's body shape, weight status, and appearance. Weight status exists along a spectrum between being obese (ie, where one's body weight is in the 95th percentile for age and gender) to being underweight. Salient influences on body image include the media, which can target adolescents, and peers who help shape beliefs about the perceived body ideal. Internalization of and pressures to conform to these socially prescribed body ideals help to explain associations between weight status and body image. The concepts of fat talk and weight-related bullying during adolescence greatly contribute to an overemphasis on body weight and appearance as well as the development of negative body perceptions and dissatisfaction surrounding specific body parts. This article provides an overview of the significance of adolescent development in shaping body image, the relationship between body image and adolescent weight status, and the consequences of having a negative body image during adolescence (ie, disordered eating, eating disorders, and dysfunctional exercise). Practical implications for promoting a healthy weight status and positive body image among adolescents will be discussed.

/pdf/weight-status-and-body-image-perceptions-in-adolescents-205uhia6oa.pdf

Weight status and body image perceptions in adolescents: current perspectives

Appearance-related teasing, body dissatisfaction, and disordered eating: A meta-analysis.

Relationships amongst body dissatisfaction, internalisation of the media body ideal and perceived pressure from media in adolescent girls and boys.

Puberty as a critical risk period for eating disorders: A review of human and animal studies

Boys’ use of muscle building techniques during early adolescence is poorly understood. The present study investigated the impact of gender role intensification, investment in muscular media images, appearance social comparison, and attitudes concerning muscularity on the use of muscle building techniques. Middle school boys (N = 143; M
 age = 12.92 years) from the Midwestern United States completed questionnaires. They were re-assessed 7 months later. Structural equation modeling indicated that gender role intensification as well as Time 1 media investment, and social comparison predicted Time 2 media investment in the muscular ideal which was in turn correlated with Time 2 muscle building. Implications for prevention of body image problems and muscle building among boys are discussed.

A Longitudinal Investigation of Gender Role and Muscle Building in Adolescent Boys

Male Physical Attributes Investment Scale

The relationship of drive for muscularity to sociocultural factors, self-esteem, physical attributes gender role, and social comparison in middle school boys

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A Longitudinal Investigation of Gender Role and Muscle Building in Adolescent Boys

Male Physical Attributes Investment Scale

The relationship of drive for muscularity to sociocultural factors, self-esteem, physical attributes gender role, and social comparison in middle school boys