New chair for child psychology: Möllmann fights against body dysmorphia!

New chair for child psychology: Möllmann fights against body dysmorphia!

Today, many children and young people struggle with a distorted self-image that is shaped by various social and media influences. Prof. Dr. Anne Möllmann, who was appointed professor of clinical child and adolescent psychology at the University of Witten/Herdecke, focuses her research on body dysmorphic disorders. These disorders manifest themselves when sufferers focus on perceived flaws and become convinced that they are unacceptable. In her current research project, she is investigating how negative body images can be recognized and treated at an early stage. Various methods are used, such as questionnaires, eye tracking and motion capture systems, to gain detailed insights into the perception of those affected. Möllmann emphasizes that emotional reactions to a negative body image are often accompanied by insecurity, shame and disgust and can significantly affect the quality of life.

A central aspect of the research is to gain an understanding of when self-perception becomes distorted and how this distortion influences mental illness. Body image disorders are particularly common among adolescents, who often develop strong feelings of dissatisfaction with their appearance during puberty. This dissatisfaction is significantly increased by the use of social media, which promotes idealized body images. A report by [wer.de] shows that 11% of young people show signs of problematic behavior when it comes to social media, with the proportion of girls being 13% higher than boys (9%). One in three young people is constantly in contact with friends online, which further increases the pressure to conform to an ideal image.

Risk factors and approaches to help

Dissatisfaction with your own body can have serious consequences. The risks range from developing eating disorders such as anorexia and bulimia to body dysmorphia. According to [psychotherapy.tools], these problems are closely related to bullying and social pressure, which are significant risk factors. Likewise, family plays a crucial role in the development of self-esteem. Parents can have a positive influence by treating their own bodies with respect and setting healthy role models.

To help children and young people develop a positive body image, experts suggest several exercises: These include self-care through healthy eating without pressure to perform, setting limits when experiencing unpleasant body feelings, and promoting unprejudiced body awareness through touch. These methods are intended to help strengthen self-esteem and counteract unrealistic ideals of beauty.

Preparation for the challenges of the digital world

The challenges that the digital world brings with it are enormous. Prof. Dr. Möllmann is therefore planning targeted offers in the psychotherapeutic outpatient clinic for children and young people at the Center for Mental Health and Psychotherapy (ZPP) in order to offer them support in this regard. In her teaching, she attaches great importance to prevention and child-friendly psychotherapy by practicing with students to build trust in therapeutic work.

The World Health Organization (WHO) underlines the need for media literacy in a report. Dr. Hans Henri P. Kluge emphasizes that interventions should be age-appropriate, gender-sensitive and culturally adapted. WHO is also calling for more investment in health-promoting school environments and training educators and health professionals to support digital skills. The aim is to enable children and young people to make informed decisions about their online activities and thus protect their well-being.