The Role Of Peer Pressure in Eating Disorders

Written by CCTC Staff Writer

Peer pressure is a powerful thing. For adolescents, it can be especially difficult to withstand the pressure to fit in and conform to societal norms. This is especially true when it comes to the development of disordered eating habits, body image concerns, and eating disorders. In this blog post, we will discuss the role of peer pressure in eating disorder recovery. We will also offer tips for coping with peer pressure during this difficult time.

In this blog we will discuss:

What peer pressure is
Prevalence of diet culture amongst adolescents and teenageres
Body image issues amongst adolescents
Prevalence of eating disorders in adolescents
Social media's role in the development of disordered eating
How to help your adolescent cope with peer pressure
Treatment options for those struggling with eating disorders

What is peer pressure?

Peer pressure is the pressure to conform to the norms and values of one's peer group. This can be a powerful force, especially during adolescence. Adolescents are typically more influenced by their peer groups than they are by adults. This is because they are still developing their own sense of identity and are trying to figure out who they are. As a result, they look to their peer groups for guidance and approval.

Prevalence of diet culture amongst adolescents and teenagers

Unfortunately, diet culture is rampant amongst adolescents and teenagers. This is the perfect breeding ground for peer pressure to take root. Many adolescents are already feeling insecure and self-conscious about their bodies. They are bombarded with messages from the media telling them that they need to look a certain way in order to be accepted and valued. When peer groups start talking about dieting and weight loss, it can be very difficult for adolescents to resist the pressure to conform.

For those already struggling with eating disorders, this can be particularly challenging. Especially if they are seeking eating disorder treatment and are being taught to unlearn toxic beliefs around food, weight and body image.

Body image issues amongst adolescents

Adolescents are also more likely to develop body image issues. This is due to the fact that they are going through so many changes during this time in their lives. They are growing and their bodies are changing. It can be difficult for them to adjust to these changes, both physically and emotionally. Peer pressure can exacerbate these issues, as adolescents compare themselves to their peers and try to meet unrealistic standards that they are bombarded with. The average young person will see somewhere between 13,000 and 30,000 advertisements each year on television, and hundreds or thousands more through other forms of media including using the internet.

Prevalence of eating disorders in adolescents

Eating disorders affect adolescents and teens at high rates. The National Institute of Mental Health indicates that 2.7% of teens struggle with diagnosable eating disorders. This number is considerably low when we consider that a high number of adolescents struggle in silence and do not seek help, or may not meet the full criteria or a diagnosed eating disorder despite engaging in disordered habits regularly. Eating disorders are the third most diagnosed chronic illness in teens.

Social media's role in the development of disordered eating and body image concerns

Adolescents spend a lot of time on social media. This can be a great way to stay connected with friends and family. However, social media can also be a source of peer pressure. Adolescents are constantly bombarded with images of "perfect" bodies and lifestyles. This can lead them to compare themselves to others and feel like they don't measure up.

While scrolling on TikTok, Instagram or any other app, adolescents may also be bombarded by advertisements that encourage unhealthy dieting and weight loss practices. This can further peer pressure on adolescents who are already struggling with their body image.

How to help a child cope with peer pressure

If you are the parent or caregiver of an adolescent in eating disorder treatment, there are some things you can do to help them cope with peer pressure. First, it is important to have open and honest conversations with your adolescent about peer pressure and its effects. It is also important to provide support and guidance during this time.

1. Teach them how to stand up for themselves

You can help your adolescent by teaching them how to stand up to peer pressure. This includes helping them to identify peer pressure when it occurs and providing them with strategies for dealing with it.

2. Educate your child on diet culture

Diet culture is the set of beliefs that thinness and beauty are the most important factors in determining one's worth. It also includes the belief that food is either "good" or "bad," and that one must restrict certain foods in order to be healthy. Diet culture is harmful because it leads people to judge their worth based on their weight and appearance. Explaining to your child what diet culture is and how to identify and combat it can be extremely important to aid them in their eating disorder recovery. The

3. Help your child develop a positive body image

Helping your adolescent develop a positive body image is crucial. This can be done by teaching them to appreciate their bodies for all that they can do, rather than how they look. You can also help your child develop a positive body image by encouraging them to dress in a way that makes them feel good about themselves and discouraging them from comparing themselves to others.

4. Refrain from diet talk and restrictive behavior

As a parent, your behaviors around your body image and eating can impact your adolescent in many ways. It's important to avoid talking about dieting and weight loss in front of your child. You should also avoid any restrictive eating behaviors, such as skipping meals or only eating certain "safe" foods. This will help your adolescent see that you have a healthy relationship with food and your body.

5. Seek support for your child

If your child is struggling to cope with peer pressure, it's important to seek professional help with a therapist or treatment program. A therapist can provide your child with the tools they need to manage recovery healthily. Having support to discuss both eating disorder-related matters and the role peer pressure plays can have a positive impact on their recovery.

6. Keep an open dialogue with your child

When your child expresses concerns about weight gain, body changes or food, instead of responding by trying to combat those thoughts, keep an open dialogue. Ask them where these ideas are coming from, and listen intently without judgment.

Eating disorders are serious conditions that can have a profound effect on an adolescent's life and peer pressure can play a significant role in the development and maintenance of an eating disorder.

If you are concerned about peer pressure and its effects on your adolescent, please reach out to us. We can provide you with more information and resources. We can also help you to create a treatment plan that is tailored to your adolescent's needs.

Ai PonoNovember 14, 2022