Barbies, Bratz dolls, and Rainbow dolls are popular choices for young girls, with their own unique look, ultrathin. But is this look causing our children to have long-term problems, which we may not even realize? Like many we tried to keep them out of our house when our daughter was younger. But does the evidence support this.
As a society, we have always been fascinated with dolls. From the earliest times, dolls have been used to teach children about the world around them. To prepare them for adulthood, and to provide them with comfort and companionship. However, in recent years, there has been growing concern about the impact of dolls on girls’ body image. Specifically, some experts believe that ultrathin dolls may be contributing to an unhealthy obsession with weight and body shape.
We have also this article on positive body image development.
The Recent Study on Ultrathin Dolls and Body Image.
Lynda Boothroyd, Professor and Director of Research at the Department of Psychology at Durham University, has researched what can cause body issues in young women, including ultrathin dolls.
In her most recent paper, she looked at girls aged 5 to 9-year-old and allowed them to play with dolls of various body types. Those girls who were given the ultrathin dolls were more likely to want their own thin bodies. This supports what we have thought. But what does the method support the correlation?
The study included thirty girls who were asked about their ideal body size using computer images before they were given dolls to play with. Next, the girls were allowed to play with ultra-thin dolls for 5 minutes, then asked the same body-image questions.
Researchers say that the girls would then pick out the thinner images for their ideal size after this playtime. However girls who played with more naturally shaped dolls did not change their body type ideal after playing.
Is There More Research in This Area and Does It Agree?
So, what does other research say about the impact of dolls on body image? The answer is in fact more complex. Not every child who had had a barbie doll in the last 50 years had body issues due to it. While there is some evidence to suggest that exposure to ultrathin dolls can contribute to negative body image, the research is far from conclusive. Overall, the research suggests that the impact of dolls on body image is likely to be complex and multifaceted. While dolls may play a role in shaping girls’ attitudes towards their bodies, they are unlikely to be the sole cause of body image issues.
Three other authors in this field gave their opinions in interviews.
Dr. Renee Engel, author of “Beauty Sick: How the Cultural Obsession with Appearance Hurts Girls and Women,” had this to say:
“It’s not that playing with thin dolls “causes” body image issues, but research has shown that when girls are exposed to narrow beauty ideals repeatedly, they internalize those ideals and judge themselves more harshly. So, dolls that promote the narrow ideal can contribute to body dissatisfaction, which is a risk factor for disordered eating.”
This suggests that dolls are part of the issue, when combined with forms of media, for example pop videos. This is supported by Dr. Jennifer Harriger, Clinical Psychologist and Assistant Professor at Pepperdine University:
“Research does suggest that exposure to ultrathin dolls, like Barbie, can lead to increased body dissatisfaction in young girls. However, it is important to look at this issue within the context of a larger culture that is obsessed with thinness and beauty. Children are exposed to a wide range of media messages that promote thinness and beauty, so dolls are just one small part of a larger problem.”
So it is not that dolls on their own are the cause, but if in a household girls play with these dolls, watch celebrities with unrealistic body types and maybe have a role model who is always dieting, these combinations of factors over many years will. If they also have friends who think the same it would make sense that the combination of all these factors would have this affect.
The Link Between Body Image and Mental Health
As we have already touched upon, long-term body image and mental health can go hand in hand, particularly in girls. Many people may think that body image is a superficial concern, one that is rooted in vanity, but this couldn’t be further from the truth.
How we feel about ourselves and how we see our bodies can impact our mental health. It can lead us to have low self-esteem, and this can cause depression and anxiety too.
As parents, we need to ensure that we talk about body image with our children from a very young age. No matter how little you think that they may understand it.
If they like to play with these ultra-thin dolls, you may want to explain how they look is not “normal” for everyday girls. It is also vital that you, as a parent, ensure that you are mindful of how you talk about yourself and your own body around your child. Fantastic images online show what a Barbie doll would look like if they were a full-size human.
A child who hears a mother constantly putting themselves down or commenting on their own body weight (or the weight of those around them) will be much more likely to focus on their own body image and how they look.
Of course, you should make sure that you encourage your child to make healthy food and exercise choices. However, this should be seen in a fun light, rather than something you must do because you have chosen to have a “naughty treat” or counteract your weight.
We owe it to our children to raise girls who understand their own self-worth and who can cement their place in society. Rather than hide away for the way that they look.
The Role of Parents and Caregivers in Promoting Positive Body Image
So, what can parents and caregivers do to promote positive body image in girls? First and foremost, it is important to model healthy attitudes towards body image and self-esteem. This means avoiding negative self-talk, emphasizing health and wellness over appearance, and celebrating diversity and individuality.
It is also important to be mindful of the media that children are exposed to. This means limiting exposure to media images that promote an unrealistic ideal of beauty, and encouraging girls to engage in activities that promote health and wellness, such as sports and other physical activities.
Finally, it is important to choose dolls and toys that promote healthy body image and self-esteem. This means choosing toys that come in a variety of sizes, shapes, and skin tones, and that emphasize skills and abilities rather than appearance.
Alternative Dolls and Toys That Promote Healthy Body Image
Fortunately, there are many dolls and toys available that promote healthy body image and self-esteem. For example, the Lottie doll is a popular alternative to ultrathin dolls. The Lottie doll is designed to be realistic, with a childlike body shape and a variety of skin tones and hairstyles. Similarly, the American Girl doll collection features dolls of different races and ethnicities, each with their own unique story and personality.
There are also many other toys that promote healthy body image and self-esteem. For example, the GoldieBlox line of toys is designed to encourage girls to explore engineering and other STEM fields, while the Go! Go! Sports Girls line of dolls promotes physical activity and healthy living.
Final Thoughts on Ultrathin Dolls
In conclusion, while dolls may play a role in shaping girls’ attitudes towards their bodies, they are unlikely to be the sole cause of body image issues. Other factors, such as exposure to media images and family dynamics, are also important contributors to negative body image.
Parents and caregivers can play an important role in promoting positive body image in girls by modelling healthy attitudes towards body image and self-esteem, limiting exposure to media images that promote an unrealistic ideal of beauty, and choosing dolls and toys that promote healthy body image and self-esteem. There is also much we can do to keep children’s relationship with food healthy.
Finally, toy manufacturers have a responsibility to create toys that promote healthy body image and self-esteem. This means creating dolls and toys that come in a variety of sizes, shapes, and skin tones, and that emphasize skills and abilities rather than appearance. By working together, we can help to create a world where girls feel confident and empowered, regardless of their size, shape, or appearance.
