Sociocultural Influences on Body Image and Depression in Adolescent Girls

Abstract

The article discusses the sociocultural factors that influence body image and depression in teenage girls. One of these factors is the images of an ideal body presented in mass media such as magazines, which affect the level of body satisfaction and self-esteem among girls based on research. Another factor is the objectification of women being promoted by the Western culture. The role of religion and spirituality in allowing teenage girls to have a positive view about their body and improving their mental health is tackled.