Your teenager may be exhibiting signs of possessing an unhealthy body-image. As a concerned parent, look out for the following signals of a distorted self-concept:

• You may catch your teen frequently making negative remarks about her body and appearance. These negative remarks may range from simply mentioning how an outfit does not look good on her to outright insults to one’s self about being fat or ugly. A negative comment here or there can be normal for an adolescent who is apprehensive about the judgment of her peers. But when a negative comment becomes an everyday ritual each time your teen passes a mirror, then you may have a cause for concern.


• If you notice that your adolescent refuses to be compared with other women (or men in the case of boys) up to a point where heated arguments may ensue from simple comparisons made, then this may also be a sign of an unhealthy body-image. A teenager with a healthy body-image can take comparisons (even negative ones) without needing to blow off steam. If your teen instantly exhibits her temper with just a mention of a comparison, then she may be fostering a negative body-image.


• If your teenager is constantly seeking re-validation and reassurance of her appearance then this may also be a sign of a negative self-concept. An adolescent may search for a certain amount of reassurance or re-validation concerning her appearance. But once this becomes an extreme, where you may notice clear agitation that may interfere with her ability to function as a student when she is not provided with re-validation, you should be concerned. A child’s insecurity may easily develop into an entirely negative self-concept. Her constant need for re-validation and assurance shows that she does not have the faith in herself a healthy body-image promotes.


• If your teen does not feel comfortable in most of her clothes or attire. No matter what cut, color, or style, she doesn’t seem to feel at ease. Merely dressing up for school can become a taxing experience. When observing your teen, you may notice serious stress involved.


• She may make a particular fuss over the sizes of clothes she fits into, even treating them like grades in school. A certain size may deem failure for her.


• Shifts in weight may be common as well.


• Your teenager may also be competitive with her peers about appearance. This isn’t just the normal kind of comparing any teen may be fond of at this stage, but it may be treated as a serious issue by your teen if distress is all it may bring to her.