A PSYCHOLOGICAL PERSPECTIVE ON BODY SHAMING EXPERIENCE AMONG ADOLESCENT GIRLS IN BANDAR LAMPUNG
CHAPTER I
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background
Adolescence is a period where changes occur both physically and psychologically. According to Budiargo (2015) Adolescence is a transition that develops from being child to being an adult, which begins at the age of 12 years and will end in the early 20s. Based on Fauzia & Rahmiaji (2019), it is during adolescence that the phenomenon around lifestyle is easily and quickly developed and is followed by many adolescent girls. Adolescent age is a transitional period that makes teenagers easy to follow and be carried away by the flow of change.
In adolescence, there are a number of lifestyle changes that surround them due to the digitalization in this generation's era, adolescents will easily absorb and be easily influenced by both in the form of technology trends, lifestyles and knowledge. And what is currently rife in adolescent girls is trends around body and beauty standards, And with the development of beauty standards, there can be conflicts in which If someone cannot live up to the growing trend and follow the beauty standard, they will be affected by bullying. According to Fauzia & Rahmiaji (2019), acts of bullying that occur in terms of a person's physique is better known as ‘Body Shaming’.
Body shaming will cause convenience and give others the chance to denigrate others, for example, by leaving offensive remarks, disapproving comments, or insults on particular posts. Adolescents are particularly affected by this condition, as verbal, non-verbal and online bullying has become widespread among them. These behaviors can have a significant negative influence on mental health in addition to being physically harmful
While body shaming can affect individuals of all genders, Women in general are very concerned about their physical appearance in public. (Ikmal, 2024). Women are generally known to be more vulnerable to experiencing victimized bullying, with the existence of today's known beauty standard that has been normalized in society regarding physical appearance (ideal body weight, height, etc.). Moreover, the international standard of beauty has brought other cultures, such as western, korean, and local, which makes body shaming cases more complex for women, especially in today’s adolescents who tend to be really influenced by the standards regarding appearance.
Based on the researcher's observations, body shaming has been experienced as well as its impact, body shaming happens a lot in the environment both directly and online. Therefore, researchers want to dig deeper into the body shaming experience of adolescent girls in Bandar Lampung, as well as professional’s way of preventing as well as handling body shaming
1.2 Research Questions
The research questions are as follows :
1. How do adolescent girls in Bandar Lampung experience body shaming?
2. How do adolescent girls prevent Body shaming?
1.3 Purpose of Research
The research purpose are as follows :
1. Provide information on various types of body shaming that occur among adolescent
girls in Bandar Lampung
2. Provide information about prevention and handling of body shaming among
adolescent girls in Bandar Lampung.
1.4 Benefit of Research
The benefit consists of this research is
For adolescent girls
1. Providing information and solutions in preventing those who have experienced Body Shaming to increase their self-confidence and awareness
For Teacher and Parent
1. Providing information in understanding body shaming and how to take first action when body shaming is happening.
For The Public
1. Raising public awareness to be educated on how to prevent and take first action when encountering body shaming
1.5 Limitation of Problems
The limitation of problems is as follows:
1. Targeted for adolescent girls that have experienced body shaming in the age of 12-15 years old.
2. Focuses on analyzing body shaming as a category of bullying.
1.6 Research Methodology
This Research is based on a qualitative descriptive approach. Data will be gathered through in-depth interviews and supported by a comprehensive literature review that includes academic journals, books, articles, and other sources. By focusing on both expert insights and trusted literature, the study aims to present a well-rounded analysis that contributes to this research topic.
1.7 Time and Place of Research
This study was conducted at:
1. As a place of literature review
Lazuardi Haura Junior High School Global Compassionate School
2. As a place to conduct interviews with Professional Source
Green Kemiling Residence, Cluster Magnolia. Jl. Terusan Ragom Gawi III, Blok. C5, No. 8 Beringin Raya, Kemiling, Bandar Lampung From November 2024 till May 2025.
CHAPTER II
LITERATURE REVIEW
2.1 Definition of Bullying
Bullying is defined as unwanted, violent and aggressive behaviour with a perceived or actual power disparity among school-age children/teenagers. It can also refer to behaviour that is repeated, whether it is physical or psychological. (Sinurat, F. B. R. 2014).
2.2 Forms of Bullying
Every aspect of a woman's beauty standard, including height, weight, skin tone, and facial features, can be used as a pretext to evaluate other women who don't meet the "ideal standard" in different ways. Women frequently encounter both verbal and non-verbal types of body shaming.
2.2.1 Verbal
Verbal body shaming is the use of negative words or sentences regarding someone's physical appearance based on perceived flaws. (Smith, L. A. 2021).It might appear as jokes, insults, or any other type of verbal abuse that targets a person's physical characteristics. Bullying of this kind can seriously harm a person's mental health, self-worth, and general wellbeing. And the aspects of Verbal bullying can lead up to Body shaming.
Body shaming can be defined as making offensive or disparaging remarks about someone's size or shape is known as body shaming. Body shame occurs when an individual's assessment does not align with their ideal physical appearance. The community's approval of an individual's looks varies based on their knowledge of the implications of body shaming. Mahzan, S. (2022)
2.2.2 Non-Verbal
Non-verbal body shaming involves an individual or many making another individual feel uncomfortable about their physical appearance without using direct words. It can happen through judging looks, mocking gestures, or actions like avoiding someone because of their size (Schlüter, Kraag, & Schmidt, 2021). Non-verbal can also count as physical bullying, involving actions such as spitting, slapping, hitting, and damaging objects owned by other individuals. (Ayatilah, 2021).
2.3 How to Prevent Body Shaming
According to Nemours KidsHealth. (n.d.). To prevent body shaming, is to accept our physical appearance, having a positive mindset, and realizing no human being is perfect, and have their own flaws, commenting on your body will harm self-esteem, and comparing yourself to other individuals might ruin an individual's mindset. It is best to be aware of capabilities, it is important for adolescent girls to first know their potential and capability, what is it they're feeling and how they might express it.
It is explained by (Deviantony, 2024). The results of their research encourages significant implications towards parents, educators, policymakers, and healthcare professionals/providers to be aware of the need to provide comprehensive anti-bullying programs that initiate within educational institutions that specifically address body shaming, promote self-esteem and encourage body positivity among female adolescents. (awareness campaigns, school counseling, teaching students to value body diversity, sexual education, etc.) making it essential that teachers and school counselors receive training on how to recognize and deal with body-shaming behaviors, encouraging parental involvement in fostering positivity in promoting healthy body image and self-acceptance at home, Policymakers (legislators) shall consider implementing regulations that mandate body image education in school curricula.
2.4 Adolescent
The definition of adolescents according to the World Health Organization (WHO), is a population that has an age of 10-19 years and represents a transition from childhood to adulthood that involves physical, psychological, and social development.
According to the Population and Family Planning Agency (BKKBN) adolescents are a population that has an age of 10-24 years and has not yet married (BPS, 2020). The Ministry of Health (2025) provides a statement that adolescents are children in the age range of 10-18 years.
2.5 Biography of professional source
Dr. Susanthi Pradini, Psi. is a clinical psychologist who graduated from the Faculty of Psychology at Padjadjaran University, Bandung. and continued her studies at the Faculty of Master of Professional Psychology Majoring in Clinical Child and Adolescent, which now focuses on the psychological development of children and adolescents in Bandar Lampung.
She runs her psychological practice at Gantari Psikologi, Bandar Lampung, as a clinical psychologist at RSIA Puri Adhya Paramita in Bandar Jaya, and as a co-founder at Keping Psikologi, Bandar Lampung. Currently, Dr. Susanthi Pradini, Psi. serves as the chairperson of the Indonesian Clinical Psychologist Association in Bandar Lampung Region which focuses on child and adolescent growth and development since 2017 until now.
CHAPTER III
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
3.1 Research Method
This research is based on a qualitative approach, According to Tanzeh (2018), qualitative research aims on understanding and interpreting the meaning of a phenomenon within its natural setting. The qualitative method is particularly suited for exploring complex social issues such as body shaming, which will allow the researcher to access detailed insights that can be different from numerical data. In this study, the qualitative method is utilized to investigate the perspectives of professional sources, regarding the experiences of body shaming among adolescent girls.
3.2 Procedure of Research material
Data will be gathered through in-depth interviews and supported by a comprehensive literature review that includes academic journals, books, articles, and other sources. By focusing on both expert insights and trusted literature, the study aims to present a well-rounded analysis that contributes to this research topic.
The following questions were asked to the professional resource, Dr. Susanthi Pradini, Psi:
1. Based on your experience, how common is body shaming among junior high school girls in Bandar Lampung? Do you have specific data or numbers
2. What emotional or psychological impacts have you most often observed in adolescent girls who experience body shaming?
3. Are there periods where body shaming cases rise or fall? If so, why? And what is done to prevent it?
4. What factors usually trigger body shaming behavior in the school environment?
5. Aside from school and social media, are there other factors that you’ve observed contributing to body shaming?
6. Have you handled cases where body shaming led to mental health conditions like anxiety, depression, or low self-esteem?
7. Have you encountered cases where body shaming contributed to suicidal thoughts or self-harming behavior in adolescents?
8. In your opinion, what are the most effective ways to prevent body shaming in schools?
9. What role do parents and teachers play in promoting a positive body image in adolescent girls?
10. Are there any programs, events, or school-based interventions you recommend to raise awareness and prevent body shaming?
11. What would you recommend coping mechanisms teens use (healthy or unhealthy) to deal with body shaming?
12. What role should the goverment, parents, and media play in shaping a healthier body image culture?
13. Do you have any suggestions on how schools can help address the issue of body shaming among girls?
CHAPTER IV
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
4.1 Results of Research
It has been proven by a professional source, Dr. Susanthi Pradini, Psi. with the questions as follows:
No. | Criteria | Questions | Answer |
1. | Focusing on understanding the impacts and data observed by professionals | Based on your experience, how common is body shaming among junior high school girls in Bandar Lampung? Do you have specific data or numbers? | In general, it’s quite common nowadays due to the widespread beauty standards, both from our own culture and from foreign ones. Many cases of body shaming start from a lack of self-confidence, especially during physical changes like puberty, where girls transition from childhood to adolescence. This often shifts their mindset and makes them feel insecure or think negatively about their surroundings. As a basic observation, girls who feel insecure about themselves are more vulnerable. Specific numbers: |
2. | Focusing on understanding the impacts and data observed by professionals | What emotional or psychological impacts have you most often observed in adolescent girls who experience body shaming? | The most common impact is a decrease in self-confidence, especially a drop in self-esteem. Most girls feel that body shaming makes them insecure and think negatively about themselves, often thinking there’s something wrong with their physical appearance. Secondly, it affects their self-concept, how well they understand themselves. This includes identifying their own characteristics and capabilities. They often feel uncomfortable in their own skin, wondering whether they’re worthy of appreciation or not. If left unaddressed, this can prevent girls from reaching their full potential and may lead to excessive anxiety and a constant sense of inadequacy. |
3. | Focuses on identifying the cause in different aspects | Are there periods where body shaming cases rise or fall? If so, why? And what is done to prevent it? | Feeling uncomfortable with physical changes is very common in girls, such as acne, weight gain/loss, menstruation, etc. Recently, the problem has become more complex due to extreme beauty standards, which have become globalized. Standards have shifted from local ideals to global ones, like pale and clear skin, controlled weight, and long legs being seen as ideal. Body shaming doesn’t only happen to girls but also to boys. Now, with the generation being more open and expressive, many teenagers are brave enough to speak up about their experiences, which makes it seem like there are more cases now. However, these issues have existed in the past too, just less openly discussed. |
4. | Focuses on identifying the cause in different aspects | What factors usually trigger body shaming behavior in the school environment? | There are internal and external factors:Internal: Naturally occurring changes like puberty and body development. |
5. | Focuses on identifying the cause in different aspects | Aside from school and social media, are there other factors that you’ve observed contributing to body shaming? | Yes, external environments like family and community can play a role. Without monitoring or awareness, these surroundings can be just as harmful as media or school environments. |
6. | Focuses on the impacts on mental health. | Have you handled cases where body shaming led to mental health conditions like anxiety, depression, or low self-esteem? | Yes, body shaming often leads to decreased self-worth and low self-esteem. I’ve had clients who harmed themselves or refused to take off their masks even after skin treatment because they felt their faces were still not good enough to be seen. Some isolate themselves and think everyone around them is judging them. Early detection is very important so that the issue doesn’t worsen. |
7. | Focuses on the impacts on mental health. | Have you encountered cases where body shaming contributed to suicidal thoughts or self-harming behavior in adolescents? | There are internal and external factors: Internal: Naturally occurring changes like puberty and body development. External: Social environments such as home, school, society, and especially social media. |
8. | Focuses on the strategy of preventing body shaming | In your opinion, what are the most effective ways to prevent body shaming in schools? | Sex education is important. It usually happens when male students go to Friday prayers, but ideally, it should start earlier, like in elementary or even kindergarten. Students need to understand gender differences and how physical and mental changes are normal for everyone. Schools can also run programs that focus not just on appearance but on developing skills that boost self-confidence and self-worth. |
9. | Focuses on the strategy of preventing body shaming | What role do parents and teachers play in promoting a positive body image in adolescent girls? | Sometimes parents body shame without realizing it, treating it like a joke. What used to be considered normal behavior at home can actually trigger insecurities. Parents and teachers should know how to give balanced feedback, focus on the positive, but also guide girls when something needs improvement. Appreciation is key, and fortunately, more parents and teachers are becoming better at acknowledging and affirming girls. |
10. | Focuses on the strategy of preventing body shaming | Are there any programs, events, or school-based interventions you recommend to raise awareness and prevent body shaming? | Yes, schools can improve self-awareness and self-confidence by helping students understand themselves, what they like, how they feel, and how to manage emotions. Involving close people (family, friends) to help girls identify their strengths and weaknesses can boost their confidence and help them discover hidden potentials. Appreciation from others can make a huge difference in how teens see themselves. |
11. | Focuses on the strategy of preventing body shaming | What would you recommend coping mechanisms teens use (healthy or unhealthy) to deal with body shaming? | Unhealthy: Self-harming, avoiding social interaction, wearing masks out of insecurity. |
12. | Focuses on conclusions of the interview | What role should the government, parents and media play in shaping a healthier body image culture? | Parents should appreciate their child’s strengths and weaknesses. Even when disciplining, clear and accurate explanations are necessary. Letting children explore their choices like food or clothes, which teaches independence. What parents can be done to be able to increase the sense of positivity about the physical or mental of the teenager is to appreciate every shortcoming, strength and what a teenager has done, of course good things, if it is something that we think is not in accordance with the norm, yes we need to warn, continue to provide clear and accurate reasons. There are many cases where in the home environment, parents forget to prohibit teenagers without clear reasons, without clear knowledge of what to do, and why something is not allowed. Then give clear arguments, and give space to explore for the teenager, and can be through simple things such as getting used to choosing something yourself since childhood, or choosing clothes, food menus, etc. Freeing children may have to have limits, but also give choices to teenagers, what they want. Parents need to be reminded that although children/teens are still considered young, they have their own thoughts, opinions that we need to listen to and we need to direct them to the right path, if the teenager is not taught to express their feelings, negative things can come from outside. Since teachers are known to have a role as a second parent at school, maybe in addition, as teachers, we can add learning and time for adolescents to explore and find out about themselves and not depend too much on teachers, such as seeking learning from outside, which will eventually gather confidence and courage to get out of the comfort zone. So if what is obtained is only the result of adolescents' dependence on teachers, there will be no self-confidence that arises. (modifying learning, having project learning can also increase children's courage to be more confident), In general, the government is tasked with providing comfort for the community, especially for adolescents and children, if conceptually, there are efforts that have been made by the government such as the UPP/Kemen PPPA for the protection of women and children, which protects women and children, programs held at schools, such as sexual warnings, bullying, the dangers of drugs, etc.. And body shaming is included in the bullying category. But it may not be realized by society until the last drop, and it can also be the responsibility of society in general. Changing little by little the culture that we take for granted will have a bad impact, and create a basis for bullying, because not everyone is comfortable with body shaming (or physically) and so on. |
13. | Focuses on conclusions of the interview | Do you have any suggestions on how schools can help address the issue of body shaming among girls? | Schools should listen to what students have to say and support them with reasoned guidance. Let them express themselves, give them choices, and help them discover their own strengths. When students are empowered to explore and make decisions, they become more confident. |
4.2 Discussion
Based on results of the interview conducted with Dr. Susanthi Pradini, Psi. that some interview questions based on journals have been proven right and wrong.
Questions 1-2 and 6-7, based on Deviantony et al. (2024) & Fauzia, R. (2019). The data written from professionals has been recorded and has been stated and proven, that : Many cases of body shaming start from a lack of self-confidence, especially during physical changes like puberty, where girls transition from childhood to adolescence. This often shifts their mindset and makes them feel insecure or think negatively about their surroundings. According to their basic observation, girls who feel insecure about themselves are more vulnerable. The most common impact in body shaming is a decrease in self-confidence, especially a drop in self-esteem.
Most girls feel insecure and not confident in their own skin. If left unaddressed, this can prevent girls from reaching their full potential and may lead to excessive anxiety and a constant sense of inadequacy. Body shaming victims might isolate themselves and think everyone around them is judging them, and can even lead to suicidal tendencies.It was stated by Deviantony et al. (2024) that Body shaming, which is defined as the act of criticising someone’s physical appearance, can have severe psychological repercussions, including stress, anxiety, depression and low self-esteem.Body shaming affects mental health, particularly among adolescents. It stems from societal norms and media perpetuation, and that adolescents who experience body shaming often suffer from low self-esteem and emotional problems. This is supported by the opinion of Fauzia, R. (2019),women in general are known to be more vulnerable to experiencing victimized bullying, with the existence of today's known beauty standard that has been normalized in society regarding physical appearance.
Question 3-5, based on Ikmal, N & Holifah, N (2023) & Demaria F, Pontillo M, Di Vincenzo C, Bellantoni D, Pretelli I, Vicari S. (2024)
The data written from professionals has been recorded and has been stated and proven, that :
That the triggers for body shaming are internal and external factors. Where internal factors are natural factors that come from puberty and body development. In addition, there are external triggers that come from the surrounding environment, school and social media. Currently, social media plays a very important role in influencing and giving views on beauty standards, so that social media users are influenced and become followers.
It has been claimed by Bungin (2023). One of the factors that contributes to body shaming among women is mass media. While theoretically, mass media serves as an information, education, and entertainment channel, it can also have other effects outside of its intended function. The impact of mass media can not only influence a person's attitudes but can also have an impact on behavior. At a broader level, the effects of mass media can also influence social and cultural systems within society (Bungin, 2006).
Mass media, which often displays beauty advertisements featuring women with ideal body shapes, contributes to the creation of a stigma and ideal body standards for women. Sociocultural norms have played a significant role in shaping our perception of femininity, with the ideal woman expected to embody elegance (Rachman, 2023).When women do not meet these standards, it can lead to body shaming behavior. In today's society,social media plays a significant role in people's lives. However, the visual richness found in social media is often used unwisely by many individuals. People tend to find information more enjoyable when it is presented with images or visuals, even if the content may not necessarily be accurate. Thiscan lead to misinformation being spread, which highlights the need to re-check the source of information and provide a more in-depth explanation.
Questions 8-13 based on Deviantony et al. (2024) & Ikmal, N & Holifh, N (2023), sex education is important, and understanding gender differences and how physical and mental changes are normal for everyone. Schools can also run programs that focus not just on appearance but on developing skills that boost self-confidence and self-worth to prevent body shaming at school. Involving close people (family, friends) to help girls identify their strengths and weaknesses can boost their confidence.
Strengthened by the opinion of Wiyani (2012), that efforts to prevent bullying behavior in the school environment can apply a peaceful school concept. This concept is carried out by parents and teachers. The stages that are carried out are;
Examine the symptoms of changes in the child, and immediately approach the child.
Be calm in taking action, while convincing the child that he is not alone and has received protection from bullying.
immediately report to the school so that the school can immediately investigate the bullying.
Ask the school to provide information about what actually happened.
Make strict rules regarding bullying.
Teach students to fight bullying.
Help the perpetrator to stop his bad behavior.
The role of the government in protecting women and children is found in the official program of the Ministry of Women's Empowerment and Child Protection (Kemen PPPA) through hotlines, telephone and WhatsApp which aims to facilitate public access to report violence against women and children, and increase protection for women and children victims of violence.
CHAPTER V
CONCLUSIONS AND SUGGESTIONS
5.1 Conclusion
In conclusion to my study and research, i can conclude that:
Adolescent girls can experience body shaming through the complexity of beauty standards towards physical appearance, it can be formed as verbal and non-verbal, and body shaming being in the verbal category in bullying.
Body shaming can be prevented by having a positive mindset, finding Guidance in parents, and being provided with facilities from the government.
5.2 Suggestions
I suggest for further research, interviews will be conducted to the victims of body shaming to further investigate the impacts and provide treatment for victims later on.
CITATIONS
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ATTACHMENTS
Attachment 1.
8th of May, 2025
First primary data collection interview with Dr. Susanthi Pradini, Psi. that is intended to be research material for the results seminar.
Attachment 2.
20th of May, 2025
Second primary data collection with Dr. Susanthi Pradini, Psi intended to research material data for the comprehensive seminar.
Attachment 3.
Third primary data collection regarding the biography of Dr. Susanthi Pradini, Psi intended for research material data.
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