Understanding Negative Body Image

VOYA

Who knows any teen or adult females today who have a totally positive body image? Moe's informative book in the Teen Eating Disorder Prevention series expands to consider male negative selfimage as well. Understanding the Causes of a Negative Body Image does not attempt to cure all ills but guides the reader stepbystep toward understanding the historyeven the traditionof never being satisfied with who we are, therefore broadening our perspective about selfimage. The author offers techniques to overcome negativity such as keeping a journal, reminding ourselves of positive aspects of our lives, and censoring negative selftalk. She also suggests ways to explore all our talents. This might sound like common sense, but today's society necessitates reminders of self worth. Other books in this wonderful series are Understanding Anorexia Nervosa, Understanding Bulimia Nervosa, Understanding Weight Loss Programs, Understanding Food and Your Family, and Understanding Recovery from Eating Disorders. Titles overlap in content, but it is appropriate that they do so. Librarians might consider ways to keep all six series books together on the shelf. The "Where to Go for Help" section of each book offers tollfree numbers and Web sites that are sure to get more serious use, offering privacy to the teen in need of help. Glossary. Index. Further Reading. VOYA CODES: 4Q 4P M J S (Better than most, marred only by occasional lapses; Broad general YA appeal; Middle School, defined as grades 6 to 8; Junior High, defined as grades 7 to 9; Senior High, defined as grades 10 to 12). 1999, Rosen, Ages 12 to 18, 136p. PLB $17.95. Reviewer: Julie Hudson

School Library Journal

Gr 7 Up-In a world glutted with misinformation and misguided media images of the perfect young adult, less-than-perfect teens are rightly confused and unhappy with themselves. Often, they embark on a road of self-destruction using the vehicles of rampant dieting and obsessive-compulsive behavior. The way to stem this sort of abusive behavior is through education. Moe looks at the causes behind a negative body image and stresses that self-esteem is more important than personal size. Monroe makes it clear that most weight-loss programs are shams and should be viewed with a critical eye. Both titles are well researched, and the information is current and logically arranged. There are plenty of case studies and scenarios. The books are well laid out, and complement each other well. They follow on the heels of Moe's Coping with Eating Disorders (Rosen, 1995), which is similar in scope and treatment. Suitable offerings for researchers and for young people who want and need to know about these issues.-Lisa Denton, J. S. Russell JHS, Lawrenceville, VA Copyright 2000 Cahners Business Information.