Reports reactions of university students to the physical appearance of children with growth disorders of dwarfism, or sex-linked trisomy, compared to children with normal body proportions. Normal children were rated more favorably on physical attractiveness. Discussed the impact of perceived age and height-weight characteristics on…

A total of 55 learning-disabled children ages 8 to 13 years completed a self-esteem measure, and photographs of their faces were rated for attractiveness by adults and peers. Found relationships between children's facial attractiveness and self-esteem and between adult and peer ratings of facial attractiveness. Found no gender differences in…

A total of 100 university students observed photographs of the faces of 9 males and 9 females at each of 5 age levels from 5 to 22 years of age, and rated the faces for attractiveness. Found a significant degree of stability in ratings of facial attractiveness across the age levels. (MM)

Interviewed about favorite TV characters, 91% of boys and 53% of girls ages 7-12 chose same-sex favorites. For male characters, wishful identification was predicted by intelligence and (for girls only) humor; parasocial interaction was predicted by intelligence, attractiveness, and (for boys only) strength. For female characters (chosen only by…

This article discusses the gender differences in perceived physical appearance that contribute to problems such as depression and eating disorders. Ways are explored to help children and adolescents reject media messages and base their self-esteem on genuine qualities. (Author/MKA)

Reviews current research on the effects of physical appearance on children's self-esteem and research on posttraumatic stress syndrome in abused children. Implications for staff at youth camps include discouraging children from ridiculing others and being alert to the signs and symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder. (LP)

This qualitative study examined comments of 250 parents of children with Down syndrome concerning facial plastic surgery as a means of improving the physical functioning, appearance, and social acceptance of these children. Most respondents viewed improvement of negative societal attitudes toward individuals with Down syndrome and futhering their…

Teacher, parent, peer, and self-ratings of social acceptance, academic and athletic competence, physical appearance, and conduct were obtained for 463 third graders and 434 sixth graders. The complexity of the relationships revealed among these variables has implications for the reflected self-appraisal process and for programs to enhance…

An examination of the interaction of social and cultural influences on body image development may yield an explanation for the development of eating disorder behavior, especially in understanding the special problems facing women athletes. There appear to be two major sociocultural factors influencing the development of body image in the…

Summarizes research on discrimination against physically unattractive children, explores ways in which this discrimination works to lifelong harm of such children, and suggests steps that caring adults can take to combat such discrimination. (NB)

This article highlights the myriad behavioral and adjustment problems that flow from negative self-perceptions about body image in children and adolescents. These negative beliefs are often exacerbated by peer harassment. (Author/MKA)

A study of 42 Israeli parents of children with Down syndrome and 48 family doctors found no differences between the parents and doctors regarding support for facial surgery. However, parents who showed less acceptance of their child expressed more support for the operation than parents who showed more acceptance. (Author/CR)

Findings from female undergraduates (n=106) who completed questionnaires assessing appearance anxiety and childhood and early adolescent experiences suggest that appearance anxiety in women is related to reported negative social experiences in childhood and early adolescence. Appearance anxiety was also found to be related to current social…

This study examined the impact of facial plastic surgery, labeling (mentally retarded, normal, Down's syndrome), and level of knowledge of Down's syndrome on 127 student teachers' evaluations of slides of persons with such characteristics. Although there was no overall significant main effect for the pre-post operation condition, there was a…

A peer nomination assessment of 5 domains of children's competence was administered to 1,249 elementary school students. Factor analysis revealed two positive and two negative factors. Results indicate the structure of peer's perceptions of children's competence, and justify use of the measure to complement other methods of evaluation. (SLD)